We took a break from school today and went to the Kennecott Bingham Canyon Mine with my sister-in-law, Katie. A few interesting facts:--Kennecott's Bingham Canyon Mine has produced more copper than any mine in history - about 17 million tons.
--The mine is so big, it can be seen by the space shuttle astronauts as they pass over the United States.
--Each tire on the big trucks costs from $18,000 to $26,000 and lasts just 9 months.
--To make all the pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters in 1999, the U.S. Mint used about 36,000 tons of copper. That's about as much refined copper as Kennecott produces every 41 days.
The kids were disappointed that they couldn't see deeper into the hole. I must admit that it is a bit of a let-down to see so little of the actual mining operations. We watched a 16 minute movie which only served to pique our interest even more. Oh well. I'd say it was worth the $5 entrance fee we paid but not more than that. And now we can cross it off our list.
We went to JCW's for lunch on the way home. I thought it was very ironic since I had started the day feeling inspired to make better choices by CJane's post about healthy eating only to end up with fast food for lunch.
4 comments:
I've never taken the kids there, but I keep meaning to. What a bummer you can't actually see into the mine.
Whenever I try to right-click a link on your blog, it pops up a window telling me "these are my pics, hands off". Did you mean for that to happen with links as well as pics? BTW smart move, protecting your pics. Anyway, I have to left-click the links which means they don't open in a new window which means I have to leave your blog. *sniff*
Was it $5/person for the mine? Was that a group rate? I wonder if it's worth taking my kids.
I've been here several times with the Cub Scouts. It is interesting and disappointing at the same time. I would agree with everything you said.
I have often wondered where all that rubber comes from for those huge tires, especially since they have to be replaced so often. Does the cost of the rubber and its subsequent garbage really outweigh or match the use of copper, etc. that is mined there? I am not any sort of an environmentalist, and don't really care about this sort of thing, but it does make me wonder.
Thanks for giving me cause to think. Love you!
I was inspired by CJane's post as well and ended up having hotdogs for dinner. At least they were 100$ all beef. But still....
I think the copper mine is amazing. And great fun for boys and moms alike.
By the way, I can't believe I never made it over here to wish you congratulations. You are adorable, gorgeous, divine and I'm so happy for you and your #5!
I check my Google Reader every day and there have been no posts listed on your site. Now I see this one from Sep 4. How did that happen? I feel disconnected with I miss things :0(
As for the field trips, I just wish I could be there to go too. I've never been to the copper mine or lots of other interesting UT sites. Sigh... Guess I'll go teach my piano lessons.
Post a Comment