Henderson Marks 50 Years of Molybdenum Mining

September 16, 2026 – Freeport's Henderson mine recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a sitewide gathering that brought together current employees, retirees and guests to honor five decades of molybdenum production and the people who made it possible.

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Henderson mine opened in 1976 and quickly established its importance in helping Freeport’s Colorado operations become a global leader in molybdenum production. It also holds the distinction as the company’s only active underground operation in North America.

During an afternoon celebration in late August, anniversary activities included lunch, team photos, yard games and guest speakers who shared memories and perspectives on the site’s journey. Employees also were treated to themed chocolates and the opportunity to win commemorative items through raffles and a live auction at the end of the event.

For site leaders, the anniversary was not only a celebration of the past, but a reminder of their responsibility to carry that 50-year legacy forward. In his remarks during the event, Climax Molybdenum President Mike Kendrick thanked employees for continuing a culture of excellence that has defined Henderson for decades.

Honoring Legacy

“I am personally inspired by the dedication shown by everyone involved, both past and present,” Kendrick said. “Your commitment today ensures our continued success and honors the legacy built by those who came before us. I encourage everyone to reflect on their own experiences at Freeport, Climax Molybdenum and Henderson, and to take pride in the collective achievements that have shaped our organization.”

That commitment has molded an operation that never stood still.

Over the decades, Henderson continually has adapted its equipment and practices to meet changing needs, and employees who once relied on the “Loci” rail system to move ore watched it give way to the now-iconic, miles-long conveyor network, reflecting the broader transformation of the operation over the past half century.

The changes extend well beyond material handling. Above ground, crews are advancing construction of a new water treatment plant, while development work continues on new mining panels underground, drawing upon decades of experience even as it continues to adapt.

While the anniversary highlighted how much Henderson has changed, a number of employees pointed to something that has remained remarkably consistent: its culture.

Reconnecting with the Past

The celebration drew not only current employees, but also retirees eager to reconnect with former coworkers and revisit a place that helped shape their careers. Some traveled long distances to attend, underscoring the lasting bonds formed at Henderson over the past five decades.

Among those in attendance was engineer John Barnes, one of the many employees who witnessed Henderson’s progress firsthand. Retired for more than a decade now, Barnes said the culture at Henderson has stuck with him and helped it stand apart from his other jobs.

“I loved it here and I still love it here,” Barnes said. “It wasn’t about your office or what view you had out of your window. It was about how you contribute to a team effort and do something meaningful, like extracting a mineral out of the ground that the world needs.”

Photos (top and middle): Anna Cable, Senior Operational Excellence Engineer, enjoyed some of the yard games before the main event; Henderson’s 50th anniversary celebration featured a number of speakers, including Climax Molybdenum President Mike Kendrick.