DID YOU KNOW: The WORLD’S LARGEST Hole Is Located In Utah!

Utah is home to some incredible natural wonders, but did you know it’s also home to the world’s largest human-made hole? Yep, we’re talking about the Kennecott Copper Mine in Bingham Canyon, just outside Salt Lake City. Here’s everything you need to know about this massive, awe-inspiring excavation. The mine has been in production since 1906. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

Mind-Blowing Size & Depth

2.5 miles wide and 0.75 miles deep (that’s close to a mile deep!)
Covers a jaw-dropping 1,900 acres.
The vertical distance from the bottom to the rim is double the height of One World Trade Center.
Over 500 miles of roads inside the pit.
Visible from space! Astronauts have reported seeing this giant hole from the space shuttle.

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What is the Kennecott Copper Mine?

Located in the Oquirrh Mountains, southwest of Salt Lake City.
The largest human-made excavation on Earth.
The deepest open-pit mine in the world!

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What Does It Produce?

This mine isn’t just famous for its size—it’s also incredibly productive:

More copper than any other mine in history.
Produces gold, silver, and molybdenum too.
It’s the second-largest copper producer in the United States.

Want to check it out in person? You can! Self-guided tours are available from April to October (weather permitting.) You can check out the exhibits that highlight the mine's history and operations. If it's during the off-season, you can still take a virtual tour. Utah’s Kennecott Copper Mine is more than just a massive hole—it’s a piece of history, a feat of engineering, and a must-see for anyone visiting the Salt Lake City area.