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PHOENIX (AP) - The Environmental Protection Agency said chemical releases in Arizona rose last year.

According to new federal data released Tuesday, mining firms, utility plants and manufacturing facilities in Arizona released 95 million pounds of toxic chemicals in 2008, up 7 percent from 2007.

The 10 largest chemical releasers in Arizona were mostly copper mines.

Copper, zinc and lead made up the majority of chemicals released by facilities in Arizona.

The EPA said Asarco's Hayden smelter and concentrator operations near Kearny released 25.32 million pounds of toxic chemicals, making it the state's largest emitter.

Mining activity surged most of last year because of high copper prices but tailed off in the fall when prices crashed.