An industrial accident at the Freeport-McMoRan smelter led to several large explosions at a Miami, Ariz., mine, investigating authorities said.
Tri-Cities Fire Chief A.J. Howell said molten copper came in contact with some water to cause the explosions.
There were no injuries, but the smelter operation sustained some damage, Howell said.
Reports of the explosions came from Miami, neighborhing Globe and nearby Claypool, Ariz.
Claypool resident Marvin Tona said black smoke could be seen coming from the smelter.
Tona said he felt his house shutter and then heard the explosion. He said he saw an orange light from the mine area when he went outside.
He said there were multiple explosions coming from the mine property.
Freeport-McMoRan is one of the world's largest mining corporations. They are headquartered in Phoenix.
A representative of the company did not immediately respond to 12 News' attempts to reach them.
