The Berkeley Pit, started in 1955, was a large truck-operated open-pit copper mine until mining ceased in 1982. By 1980 nearly 1.5 billion tons of material had been removed from the Pit, including more than 290 million tons of copper ore.
The Berkeley Pit is a former open pit copper mine. Though the size of the Berkeley Pit has varying opinions, the general consensuses is that it is approximately one mile long by half a mile wide with an approximate depth of 1,780 feet. The removal of toxic contaminants is on going. The site contains arsenic, cadmium, copper, and zinc just to name a few. The environmental impact in not limited to Berkeley Pit but the surrounding watershed and natural habitats, extending down river for many miles.
A visitor centre - viewing area has been created at the southwest corner of the pit. It is one of the few places in the world where one can pay money ($2.00) to view toxic waste.
As a side note, "The Auditor" was a shaggy pup abandoned near the pit which the miners adopted by providing food and shelter. However, throughout his life he avoided any human contact. He lived a long life considering the toxicity of the area. He was 17 years old when he quietly passed away in 2003. There is a bronze statue of "The Auditor" at the Butte Visitor Center.
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