Overview -
The Bingham Canyon mine is located near Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. It is owned by Rio Tinto through Kennecott Utah Copper which operates the mine, a concentrator and a smelter.
The open pit mine originally began operations in 1904. It is one of the largest and most up-to-date integrated copper operations in the world, employing 1,400 people.
In 2005,
Rio Tinto committed US$170 million to the East 1 pushback project, which will extend the life of the open pit at Bingham Canyon until 2013. Various open-pit extensions and underground operations could extend the mine life through 2036.
Bingham Canyon supplies about thirteen per cent of United States refined copper requirements and is the third largest copper producer in the US. Substantial amounts of gold, silver and molybdenum are produced as by-products.
The smelting and refining facilities are recognized as the world's best for environmental protection practice and achievement.
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