The Bingham Canyon Mine is located in Salt Lake County, Utah, USA, approximately 25 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. The Mining operations began in 1906, with open-pit mining starting in 1950. It is pproximately 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) deep. The size is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) wide and 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) deep.
The mine employs more than 1,400 employees and generates over $1 billion in annual revenue. Three main minerals are extracted from this mine which are:
- Copper production: 300,000 tons per year
- Gold production: 200,000 ounces per year
- Silver production: 1.5 million ounces per year
Also called Kennecott, the mine Has had significant environmental impacts, including groundwater contamination and air pollution but Kennecott Utah Copper has implemented various reclamation and rehabilitation efforts to mitigate environmental impacts. It also offers guided tours and a visitor center, allowing the public to view the mine from a safe distance.
A massive landslide occurred at the mine on April 10, 2013, with around 2.3–2.5 billion cubic feet of dirt and rock thundering down the side of the pit. Another slide caused an evacuation of 100 workers on September 11, 2013, and a less severe slide occurred on May 31, 2021 (Wikipedia).
According to Wikipedia, Bingham Canyon has proven to be one of the world’s most productive mines, with production at more than 18.7 million short tons. As of 2023, this location produced approximately 150,000 short tons of copper ore per year.
Video Copyright: Aaron Witt
