Things to Do in Salt Lake City - page 2

The second-largest copper producer in the United States, Kennecott has produced more copper than any other mine, topping 19 million tons. We all learned about copper in science class, but few people realize how much we depend on the element in our day to day lives. Copper is used in a seemingly endless list of things including electrical wiring, computer keyboards, cell phones, gold jewelry, hot water heaters and coin making. Utah’s Kennecott Copper Mine, also known as Bingham Canyon Mine, has been in operation for more than 100 years.

The mining pit is more than three-quarters of a mile deep and more than two and three-quarter miles wide across the top. It is still growing and is said to be visible from space.