Inside the World's Largest Open-Pit Mine: A Critical Moment for U.S. Copper

The world's largest open-pit copper mine, located in Utah, is at the center of a growing debate about the importance of domestic mineral production. CNBC's Pippa Stevens recently visited the Kennecott mine, operated by Rio Tinto, and reported on its significant contribution to the U.S. copper supply. The mine, a staggering 14,000 feet across and more than 4,000 feet deep, extracts 500,000 tons of ore daily, representing roughly 20% of the nation's refined copper. "It's a critical moment for the industry," Stevens stated, emphasizing the challenges of domestic mining amidst rising global demand and concerns about resource nationalism. The U.S. currently imports nearly 50% of its refined copper, underscoring the White House's declaration that securing access to minerals is a matter of national security. Kennecott's operations also extend to other critical minerals like tellurium, gold, and silver. The mine serves as a case study in balancing economic needs with environmental concerns and national security interests, highlighting the complex interplay between global markets and domestic production.