Horowitz-Backed Firm to Revive Idled Utah Copper Mine (1)

A startup backed by Silicon Valley venture firm Andreessen Horowitz plans to revive an idled copper mine in Utah to test new technology aimed at automating operations.

Mariana Minerals acquired the Centennial copper mine from Lisbon Valley Mining Co. LLC last year and will reopen it in April, according to Mariana’s Chief Executive Officer Turner Caldwell. The small mine is part of a 10,000 acre land package that Mariana Minerals acquired, which also includes a refining facility.

The mine produced about 2,500 tons of copper a year under Lisbon Valley’s ownership, though Mariana plans to scale the output to ...