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Berkeley Pit
View an Open Pit Copper Mine
Open: March - November
Hours: 9am - 5pm
Cost: $
Group Size: Call
About Berkeley Pit
The Berkeley Pit, near the Continental Divide, is a former open pit copper mine. It is roughly a mile long, a half-mile wide, and around 1,780 feet deep. The pit contains water up to about 1,000 feet. The water is highly acidic and contains extremely high levels of heavy metals and toxic chemicals. You would not want to fall in.
Opened in 1955, Berkeley Pit was mined until it's closure in 1982. The mine was operated for years by the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, and, then, by Atlantic Richfield (ARCO).
Once referred to as "The Richest Hill on Earth," it is now one of the largest Superfund sites in the United States.
Opened in 1955, Berkeley Pit was mined until it's closure in 1982. The mine was operated for years by the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, and, then, by Atlantic Richfield (ARCO).
Once referred to as "The Richest Hill on Earth," it is now one of the largest Superfund sites in the United States.
- Phone: 800-735-6814
- Email: chamber@buttechamber.org
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What to Expect
Berkeley Pit is one of the few places on earth were people pay to view toxic waste. The site attracts approximately 35,000 visitors every year. The site has always attracted visitors due to it's enormous size. However, it's become even more popular since it's classification as a Superfund location. Like Chernobyl, it's now considered something of a "dark tourism" site.
Visitors can view the mine from a viewing platform, located well above the the lip of the pit. The pit contains over 51 billion gallons of toxic liquid, laced with arsenic, cadmium, and lead. It tends to glow a bright, shimmering green. Berkeley Pit's contents have, on more than one occasion, proven deadly to unlucky waterfowl that have landed in it. For example, in 2016, a flock of more than 3,000 snow geese perished after taking a break in the lake during inclement winter weather.
On a lighter note, Berkeley Pit has a gift shop, which sells a variety of copper products and other mementos.
The Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand is managed by the Butte Chamber of Commerce. Getting to the site is simple: Take Exit 126 off of I-90, and follow the signs.
Visitors can view the mine from a viewing platform, located well above the the lip of the pit. The pit contains over 51 billion gallons of toxic liquid, laced with arsenic, cadmium, and lead. It tends to glow a bright, shimmering green. Berkeley Pit's contents have, on more than one occasion, proven deadly to unlucky waterfowl that have landed in it. For example, in 2016, a flock of more than 3,000 snow geese perished after taking a break in the lake during inclement winter weather.
On a lighter note, Berkeley Pit has a gift shop, which sells a variety of copper products and other mementos.
The Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand is managed by the Butte Chamber of Commerce. Getting to the site is simple: Take Exit 126 off of I-90, and follow the signs.
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World Museum of Mining
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The Berkeley Pit
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