Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza (EECO) - Image 1
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Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza

3.4
·14 reviews·South Jordan, United States

Explore the world's deepest open-pit mine, a monumental feat of engineering and a vital source of copper.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

May–October mornings

Pleasant weather, operational hours

CrowdLow
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Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza (EECO) - Image 1

Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza

Best Time

May–October mornings

Pleasant weather, operational hours

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the world's deepest open-pit mine, a monumental feat of engineering and a vital source of copper. TikTok

3.4
(14 reviews)

"The sheer scale of the mine is mind-blowing and a testament to industrial power. TikTok"

Vertical photo
TIP

Respect Private Property

Be aware of signage and designated public areas to avoid negative security interactions. ⛔

Check Operating Hours

The visitor experience is typically open May through October. Confirm hours before your visit. 📅

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.4 · 14 reviews

Type

Corporate Office

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Vast Open Pit

The Vast Open Pit

Visitor Center Overlook

Witness the sheer immensity of the world's deepest open-pit mine, a testament to industrial might.

TikTok
Mining Equipment Displays

Mining Equipment Displays

Plaza Area

See massive loaders and other heavy machinery up close, showcasing the tools of this colossal operation.

TikTok
Industrial History Exhibits

Industrial History Exhibits

Visitor Center

Learn about the over 120-year history of copper production and innovation at Kennecott.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Understand the Scale

Rio Tinto Kennecott is the world's deepest open-pit mine, a monumental industrial site. While the plaza offers views, the true scale is best appreciated with context. Plan your visit during operational hours for the most engaging experience. TikTok

Respect Private Property

The plaza and surrounding areas are private property. Visitors have reported negative interactions with security guards when perceived as trespassing or acting suspiciously. Be mindful of signage and designated public areas to ensure a smooth visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
May–October mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, operational hours
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays during operational hours
Why
See active mining operations
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🤯 Ever wondered what it’s like to visit the deepest open-pit mine in the world? While we didn’t go into the mine itself, we got an up-close look at the sheer scale and power of modern mining—and it’s absolutely mind-blowing. ℹ️ Planning a visit to the Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience? Here’s what you need to know: 📅 Open May–October 🕒 Tours run daily, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM, including holidays 💵...
@utahfunwithkids
342 likes • 16.5K views

Respect Private Property

Be aware of signage and designated public areas to avoid negative security interactions. Reddit

Check Operating Hours

The visitor experience is typically open May through October. Confirm hours before your visit. TikTok 📅

CNBC's Pippa Stevens visited the world's largest open pit mine for an inside look at how minerals are mined and processed in the U.S. As President Trump calls to bring mineral mining back to the U.S., the industry is facing a critical moment with some experts saying there may not be enough supply as demand grows. Watch more at the #linkinbio or tap on your screen. #CNBC
@cnbc
261 likes • 7.9K views
Rio Tinto Kennecott is a monumental part of Salt Lake City's industrial history and a top copper producer in the U.S. 🇺🇸  Operating for over 120 years, Kennecott began mining copper from the rich ore body of Bingham Canyon in 1903, and has continued to expand and innovate ever since. 🏛️  It’s not just about mining copper but setting the standard for sustainability. Kennecott is committed to reduci...
@bankeronthemove_bom
12 likes • 1.1K views

Understand the Scale

The mine is vast; context helps appreciate its significance. Consider watching documentaries beforehand. TikTok 🎥

Photography Etiquette

Be mindful of where you take photos; some areas may be restricted. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper Mine New 994K Loader #familyday2022
@skylerhansen4
20 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Respect Private Property

Be aware of signage and designated public areas to avoid negative security interactions. Reddit

Check Operating Hours

The visitor experience is typically open May through October. Confirm hours before your visit. TikTok 📅

Understand the Scale

The mine is vast; context helps appreciate its significance. Consider watching documentaries beforehand. TikTok 🎥

Photography Etiquette

Be mindful of where you take photos; some areas may be restricted. Reddit :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

3.4
(14 reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Impressive mine scale
Giant machinery displays
Industrial history

What People Dislike

Security interactions
Perceived rudeness

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. TikTok

Yes, parking is available. However, be aware that the area is private property, and security patrols are present. Ensure you park in designated areas. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

There are generally no age restrictions for visiting the plaza area. However, some tours or specific exhibits might have age recommendations or limitations. TikTok

Access to buildings may be restricted to visitor centers or specific exhibits. Be mindful of signage and any security personnel directing visitors. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTok+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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

Yes, there are usually displays of retired, massive mining equipment that visitors can get quite close to for photos. These are impressive subjects. TikTok

🎫 💡 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. TikTok+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. TikTok+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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Visitor centers typically offer restrooms, informational displays, and sometimes a gift shop. Check the official website for specific amenities. TikTok

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