Hidalgo Copper Smelter - Closed

The massive Hidalgo Smelter, located in Playas, shut down in 1999, and may or may not reopen. It is owned by the Phelps Dodge Mining Company, and was used to process copper from Phelps Dodge mines and also serves as a custom smelter for other companies. It employed around 550 people. It may be converted into a sulfuric acid plant.