MIAMI, AZ -- The economy is getting a big boost in the small Eastern Arizona town of Miami.
"Right now, looking for work is tough," said resident Michael Hernandez.
A new announcement by Freeport-McMoRan could make that job search a little easier.
"I got laid off last year from the mines due to the economy," said Hernandez.
But things are changing in Miami, Arizona.
"It means jobs, and jobs are desperately needed," said Thomas Gough with the Chamber of Commerce.
And not just a few jobs.
"The great news is we’re looking at 200 to 250 new jobs," said Gough.
The mining company is reopening its copper mine. It's been closed since 2001.
"It brings jobs that were desperately in need of right now," said Gough.
Gough says the hiring affects all aspects of the community.
"It will help everywhere from real estate in the area to helping with the local downtown businesses," said Gough.
Now residents look to the future with hope.
"It's gonna open a lot of opportunities for people to do work around here and get the economy going hopefully," said resident James Howard.
"Hoping to go back to work hopefully they start calling a lot of people," said Hernandez.
Until the end of the year the mine will ramp up operations and be in full production next year.
