The American Metal Co., Ltd was incorporated in 1887 with headquarter offices in New York City, New York. Over the next decades the American Metal Co. grew to become one of the nation’s leading intergraded mineral resource companies, active in mining, manufacturing, and mineral and oil exploration. In 1957, in an effort to further diversify their holdings, the company merged with the Climax Molybdenum Company of Colorado to form American Metal Climax Inc. During the following two decades the company continued to expand production and geographical reach both in the United States and on the international market. In 1974, American Metal Climax Inc. officially changed its name to Amax Inc.
After decades of experiencing spectacular financial growth, the 1980s brought difficult economic times for Amax Inc. These financial troubles eventually led to a 1993 merger with Cyprus Minerals Company, based in Englewood, Colorado. At that time, corporate offices were moved from New York City to Englewood, and the newly formed company became official known as the Cyprus-Amax Minerals Company. Cyprus-Amax operated as the nation’s largest mining enterprise until 1999, when Phelps Dodge Corp, a leader in the copper industry, purchased the company in a 1.8 billion dollar deal.
Amax Inc.’s ongoing desire to expand their holdings perked interest in Montana’s natural resources, and in the period prior to their 1993 merger the company explored the potential for profitable mineral and oil development in the state. The Montana locations covered in their exploration include contemporary environmental hotspots such as the Rocky Mountain Front and Pryor Mountains as well as other potentially important areas in Central and Eastern Montana.
From the guide to the Amax Inc. Aerial Photograph and Geologic Plane Table Collection, 1920-1968, (University of Montana--Missoula Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library Archives and Special Collections)
