Kennecott Utah Copper’s tailings are the uneconomic by-product of the ore crushing, grinding, and flotation concentrating process at the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine. After processing, this barren material (devoid of metals values), is transported as a slurry in a 60’ concrete pipe from the Copperton and North Concentrators to the company’s tailings impoundment near Magna, Utah.

 

The impoundment has been receiving tailings since 1907. Since then more than 1.5 billion tons of tailings have been stored in the 5,700-acre impoundment. To accommodate the approximately 56 million tons of tailings deposited annually, the impoundment dike is raised seven to eight feet per year. A peripheral discharge system keeps the entire surface area wet to minimize dust. Process and storm waters are collected on the surface of the impoundment, decanted, and recycled to the plants for reuse. Exterior slopes of the impoundment are contoured and revegetated as the dike is raised.

"Revegetated tailings impoundment"

The company has identified, extensively investigated, and addressed many environmental issues – air quality, surface water management, surface and ground-water quality, wetlands, and wildlife habitat – as part of the project planning. Many agencies and regulatory authorities have reviewed and approved this expansion, which will ensure a safe and environmentally sound project.

"Native plants thrive on impoundment"

In 1996, the construction of the impoundment expansion in a northerly and westerly direction was initiated. The expansion site is an area previously used primarily for salt evaporation, salt processing, and fertilizer production. The expansion will consist of an embankment about seven miles long and will encompass approximately 3,200 acres. Revegetation plans have been developed and integrated into the project design.