Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza
Explore the world's deepest open-pit mine, a monumental feat of engineering and a vital source of copper.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, operational hours
Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza
Best Time
Pleasant weather, operational hours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the world's deepest open-pit mine, a monumental feat of engineering and a vital source of copper.
"The sheer scale of the mine is mind-blowing and a testament to industrial power. "
Respect Private Property
Be aware of signage and designated public areas to avoid negative security interactions. :no_entry:
Check Operating Hours
The visitor experience is typically open May through October. Confirm hours before your visit. :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Vast Open Pit
Visitor Center Overlook
Witness the sheer immensity of the world's deepest open-pit mine, a testament to industrial might.
Mining Equipment Displays
Plaza Area
See massive loaders and other heavy machinery up close, showcasing the tools of this colossal operation.
Industrial History Exhibits
Visitor Center
Learn about the over 120-year history of copper production and innovation at Kennecott.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Scale
Respect Private Property
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect Private Property
Be aware of signage and designated public areas to avoid negative security interactions. :no_entry:
Check Operating Hours
The visitor experience is typically open May through October. Confirm hours before your visit. :calendar:
Understand the Scale
The mine is vast; context helps appreciate its significance. Consider watching documentaries beforehand. :movie_camera:
Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of where you take photos; some areas may be restricted. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect Private Property
Be aware of signage and designated public areas to avoid negative security interactions. :no_entry:
Check Operating Hours
The visitor experience is typically open May through October. Confirm hours before your visit. :calendar:
Understand the Scale
The mine is vast; context helps appreciate its significance. Consider watching documentaries beforehand. :movie_camera:
Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of where you take photos; some areas may be restricted. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitor experiences at Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza are mixed, with many appreciating the immense scale of the mine and the impressive machinery. However, some guests have reported negative encounters with security personnel, citing unprofessionalism and rudeness, which has impacted their overall impression of the company.
"I was on what I thought was public property in the parking garage taking a few photos of a friend when I was approached and yelled at by the security guard. Mind you, this was in the evening....not during normal work hours that might have disturbed a work environment.
Here's a tip Rio Tinto: if you want your security guard to be there to diffuse a situation and look after your property, train him to NOT come out with guns blazing. He could have calmly said, "Hey, you may not know, but this is private property, would you mind leaving right now." Instead, he immediately berated me for not seeing signs that can be easily missed and threatened to call police. I, in no way, was acting suspicious....I wasn't skateboarding, casing out cars, or acting inappropriate, etc. He treated me like I was trespassing on a top secret government facility. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY UNCALLED FOR, UNPROFESSIONAL, AND HE WAS DOWNRIGHT RUDE AND THREATENING.
After reading the previous review, it is very clear that Rio Tinto could do some training on how to treat people. PLEASE, read this and give some thoughtful consideration as to how you can better treat the people in your community. Again, I can understand the need to protect and defend flagrant misuse, damage and disrespect to your property but this was clearly overboard.
You have a beautiful building, why do you not let the public enjoy certain outdoor portions? This never happens downtown when people are respectfully enjoying the city."
Joshua Medeiros
"Was riding my scooter around when I was harassed and touched by a Security Guard. I didn't want to hurt him but please train your Security to make them not do that."
Connor
"This happen May 27th 2016. My husband was traveling for business and while he was working, me and my kids decided to stop at Daybreak to spend the day, enjoy the parks and look at houses since it's mine and my husband's interest living there.
Well it started raining and I headed back into the business center of Daybreak and since my husband dropped us off and left with the car we didn't have any place to go to shelter from the rain. Me, my kids and my well behaved boxer went under the roof of what it looked like and empty building, there we no signs, no doors, no entrance, and yet an extreme unpleasant lady told us we cannot be there because it's an entrance and I cannot have my dog there, I told her ok and moved to the side of the building, told my kids to sit at the stairs under the roof and me and my dog staid on the sidewalk in the rain. All I wanted was a roof for my kids to be protected from the rain while we wait for my husband to come pick us up.
Sure enough the same lady came in and told us to leave, I don't know if she thought we were homeless, I doubt since we were well dresses and groomed. I tried to explain to her that I was just trying to keep my kids away from the rain she said "I don't care you have to leave". In tears, me and my kids left, and luckily my husband found us shortly after wandering in the rain.
That building was a Rio Tinto building, that lady was the very first impression of that company and it showed heartless, judgmental and plain rude. How can you throw 2 kids out in the rain?
Whoever manages that building needs to train their employees that ANYONE can be a customer. And to have some humanity for God's sake.
Rest assure we changed our minds about moving to Daybreak. It's a lovely place but I wouldn't support investors that have such rotten employees.
-A very pissed mommy."
Tabatha Erickson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza is located in Bingham Canyon, Utah. Driving is the most common way to access the site. Public transportation options are limited, so check local transit schedules if you plan to use them.
Yes, parking is available. However, be aware that the area is private property, and security patrols are present. Ensure you park in designated areas.
While the plaza offers views, direct access into the active mine is typically restricted to guided tours or specific events. Check the official Rio Tinto Kennecott visitor information for tour availability.
The most direct routes usually involve taking I-15 South and then exiting onto local roads leading towards Bingham Canyon. GPS navigation is highly recommended.
Information on shuttle services can vary. It's best to check the official Rio Tinto Kennecott website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date transportation details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the plaza area for viewing the mine and equipment displays is generally free. However, specific tours or exhibits might require tickets. Always check the official website for current admission policies.
The visitor experience typically operates from May to October. Hours can vary, so it's crucial to check the official Rio Tinto Kennecott website for the most accurate and up-to-date operating schedule.
There are generally no age restrictions for visiting the plaza area. However, some tours or specific exhibits might have age recommendations or limitations.
Access to buildings may be restricted to visitor centers or specific exhibits. Be mindful of signage and any security personnel directing visitors.
If tours are offered, booking in advance through the official Rio Tinto Kennecott website is highly recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak season.
📸 📸 Photography
The main overlook at the visitor center provides panoramic views of the mine. There are also areas near the large mining equipment displays for unique shots. +1
While general photography is usually permitted in public viewing areas, be aware that certain zones might be off-limits for security or operational reasons. Always respect signage.
Drone usage is typically prohibited over active industrial sites like mines due to safety and security regulations. Always check local drone laws and site-specific rules.
Expect to capture vast landscapes of the open-pit mine, massive mining trucks and shovels, and the industrial infrastructure. It's a photographer's dream for industrial and landscape shots.
Yes, there are usually displays of retired, massive mining equipment that visitors can get quite close to for photos. These are impressive subjects.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
You can view the immense open-pit mine from the visitor center, see large mining equipment up close, and learn about the history of copper production. +1
Yes, families can find it fascinating to see the scale of the mine and the giant machinery. It's an educational experience about industry and engineering. +1
A visit to the plaza and viewing areas can take 1-2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and the scale of the mine.
Guided tours of the mine or related facilities may be offered seasonally. It's best to check the official Rio Tinto Kennecott website for current tour schedules and booking information.
Visitor centers typically offer restrooms, informational displays, and sometimes a gift shop. Check the official website for specific amenities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great chance to discuss industrial processes and the importance of minerals in our daily lives. Remember to check the operating season (typically May-October) and plan your visit during daylight hours for the best views and a more comfortable experience. Keep an eye on the official website for any family-specific events or programs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be aware of potential photography restrictions in certain areas and always respect security directives. The best shots often come from the designated overlooks, capturing the depth and breadth of the excavation. Consider visiting on a clear day for maximum visibility and dramatic lighting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bingham Canyon Mine: A Geological Marvel
This colossal operation is not just about extraction; it's a marvel of engineering and logistics. The mine utilizes enormous trucks, some weighing over 200 tons when empty, to haul ore from the pit to processing facilities. The continuous expansion and innovation over more than a century have made it a significant contributor to the global supply of essential minerals.
For visitors, the Kennecott Visitor Experience offers a unique perspective on this industrial giant. While you can't typically venture into the active pit, the plaza provides breathtaking overlooks and displays of retired, massive mining equipment, allowing you to grasp the immense power and scale of modern mining operations.
Navigating Security and Visitor Etiquette
It's crucial to stay within designated public viewing areas and pay attention to signage. Visitors have shared experiences of being approached by security for actions like taking photos in areas deemed off-limits or being in parking garages outside of business hours. The advice from these experiences is to remain calm, polite, and cooperative if approached by security personnel.
While the goal is to ensure safety and security, some reviews suggest that training for security staff could be improved to handle situations more diplomatically. However, the primary takeaway for visitors is to be mindful of the environment: it's a working mine, not a public park, and adherence to rules is paramount for a positive experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit