The Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience is open from April to October and is closed during the winter. Tickets for 2023 tours will be available in March of 2023.
During off-season, we invite you to take a virtual tour of our operation and continue learning about the Bingham Canyon Mine.
Ever wondered what one of the largest man-made open-pit excavation looks like up close and personal? Come and see for yourself at Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience at the Bingham Canyon Mine.
Founded in 1903, Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon Mine is one of the top performing mines in the world and has provided more wealth for the state of Utah than any other company. The mine operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Visitor Experience is dedicated to educating the public about the key role Kennecott plays in modern life, safe mining practices and responsible environmental stewardship. Learn about our history and see first-hand the gigantic scale of our operation, vehicles, and artifacts. Discover how ore gets processed and refined to become 99.99% copper, an essential element in today’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology.
Tickets
Tickets are $6 each and children under the age of five are free. All proceeds will be generously donated to the Kennecott Charitable Foundation.
Tickets should be purchased in advance. Walk-up visitors run the risk of not being able to visit the mine overlook if we are at capacity that day. Walk-up visitors will need to use a credit card to complete an onsite ticket purchase. Cash transactions are not available at the Visitor Experience.
Cancellation Policy
Groups of 10 or less will need to notify Rio Tinto Kennecott at least 36 hours in advance of your booked tickets for a full refund. Groups larger than 10 will need to provide a two week notice to receive a full refund.
To cancel your order please email rtkvisitorexperience@riotinto.com.
Kennecott Charitable Foundation
The Kennecott Charitable Foundation is a Utah-based charitable organization committed to positively impacting the Utah residents and community since its inception in 1992. This includes supporting charities and non-profits that assist vulnerable populations in the Salt Lake region. The Foundation raises money for worthy organizations through tax deductible entrance fees to the Kennecott Visitor Experience. The Bingham Canyon Lions Club contributes additional funds to the Foundation from items sold at the Gift Shop.
Gift Shop
The Bingham Canyon Lions Gift Shop, located in the visitor parking area, sells an assortment of items. From copper jewelry and trinkets to educational excavation kits, visitors of all ages are sure to find something special to take home with them. While there is a vending machine available with drinks, food is not available for purchase.
Visitor information
- The Visitor Experience is open from April-October, weather and COVID-19 controls permitting. During off-season, we invite you to take a virtual tour of our operation and continue learning about the Bingham Canyon Mine.
- The Visitor Experience is a self-guided tour with many exhibits for you to see and read about the Bingham Canyon Mine, its history, and operations.
- Shuttles can accommodate up to 30 guests. Shuttle service to the mine overlook runs 7-days a week starting each day at 9:30am and runs every 20 minutes with the last shuttle departing at 2:30pm (and returning by 4:00pm).
- The entire experience takes about an hour but can run longer depending on how long you visit the Bingham Canyon Mine overlook.
- You are welcome to take pictures of your visit, however professional photography is not allowed.
- Be prepared for the weather as the Visitor Experience is completely outdoors. The weather at the mine is sometimes different than that of the rest of the Salt Lake Valley. On sunny days, it will be hot. Bring water, sunscreen, and sun protection. If it looks like it may rain, please consider a jacket or umbrella. In the cooler months, be prepared for wind and cold temperatures.
Safety policies
Safety is essential to everything we do at Kennecott - and your safety is our number one priority when visiting the Bingham Canyon Mine. We are committed to protecting the health and safety of all our employees and visitors. All safety rules and policies must be followed.
- Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- You must use the shuttle services to visit the overlook
- Children and adults must wear a seat belt while on the shuttle – car/booster seats are not required, and infants may be held in arms during travel
- Stay inside the designated visitor area (always fenced or otherwise)
- Use of drugs, alcohol or smoking/vaping are strictly prohibited
- Firearms, knives, and other weapons are prohibited on all Rio Tinto Kennecott property
- Unauthorized use of drones or professional photography are prohibited on all property
Terms and conditions
By purchasing a ticket, you agree to assume the risk of any injury, death, loss, or damage, which you may suffer. In consideration for entrance into the Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience, you hereby indemnify, release, and forever hold harmless, Kennecott Utah Copper LLC and its affiliate companies and all of their trustees, directors, managers, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, and representatives (collectively the “Releasees”) for any and all liability, claims, expenses, demands, and causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that you may sustain or loss or damage to any property belonging to you, whether caused by the ordinary negligence of Releasees or otherwise arising out of or related to your use of the Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience.