Mayor and council praise local aggregate benefits for Florence development
FLORENCE, AZ – The Florence Town Council voted unanimously 7-0 on October 7, 2025, to approve Ordinance No. 770-25, allowing the Tanner Rankin Mine to expand from 60 to 250 acres. The decision completes the major general plan amendment process but represents only the first of four required approvals before the expansion can proceed. The council must still approve a rezoning application, a conditional use permit, and a floodplain use permit in future hearings.
This article continues coverage from the planning commission’s initial review published September 19, 2025.
Project Details
The expansion will grow the existing 60-acre mining operation to approximately 250 acres on land located between the Gila River and Hunt Highway, about half a mile west of Pinal Parkway. The site sits mostly within a 100-year floodplain, requiring construction of an armored perimeter berm for flood protection.
Paul Gilbert, representing Tanner Rankin Farm, LLC, emphasized the mine’s industrial context. The Florence Copper mining operation sits immediately to the west, while the site is bordered by the Gila River to the south and the North Side Canal to the north.
Mining operations will extract sand and gravel to a depth of approximately 125 feet below ground surface using standard tracked or wheeled construction equipment. The site will include material washing, sorting, and potential ready-mix or asphalt blending operations.
Gilbert said Merrill Ranch, the planned community located nearby, supports the operation.
Council Action
The approval changes the land use designation from Suburban Neighborhood, Highway Mixed Use, and Open Space to an Industry District. The ordinance also expands the Aggregate Resources Overlay across the site.
The council held one public hearing on the matter, as required for major general plan amendments. No members of the public spoke either in person or online.
Economic Benefits Emphasized
Gilbert opened his presentation with a direct connection to the town’s growth. “This is an application where we’re asking for permission to provide all the aggregate that all these projects you’ve just been approving will need,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert emphasized the cost advantages of local aggregate sources. “Generally, it’s assumed that the price of these aggregate resources doubles each increment of ten miles that have to be transported,” he explained. “So our proximity here is very fortuitous and very helpful and very supplemental to these major projects that you’re approving.”
The project will not increase truck traffic beyond current levels. According to the traffic impact statement, the site currently serves about 15 daily delivery trucks and four employee trips, and no increase is anticipated as operations shift within the expanded area.
Council Response
Council Member Tony Bencina said he watched the planning and zoning hearings where the applicants answered detailed questions. He mentioned learning about how the excavated topsoil would be used to create the protective berm. “It’s a great project. Look forward to it,” Bencina said. “Hopefully you’ll sell a lot of that stuff locally to our developers.”
Vice Mayor Cathy Adam characterized the approval as beneficial to multiple parties. “This is a triple win for us,” Adam said. “So for the property owner, they get to continue the mining there. I think for our developers, both north and south of the Gila, obviously they get a better deal on the aggregate. Everybody needs aggregate, and it’s gonna be cheaper, and it’s a win for the town, so we’re thrilled.”
Mayor Keith Eaton requested that the mining operation ensure trucks are covered. “I want to make sure, I know this is not a stipulation and I’m just bringing it to attention, making sure that we continue to cover all the trucks that bring all this aggregate out of this mine, for our residents in that area,” Eaton said.
Remaining Applications
The approval covers only the general plan amendment. The applicant will return to the council for consideration of three additional applications: a rezoning from Planned Unit Development and Rural Agricultural to Heavy Industrial, a Conditional Use Permit for mining operations, and a Floodplain Use Permit. These applications will go before the Planning and Zoning Commission after the general plan amendment process concludes.
Nicole Buccellato made the motion to approve Ordinance No. 770-25, with Jose Maldonado providing the second. The ordinance passed with all seven council members voting in favor.
