FAQ

What is the deepest mine?

Mponeng Gold Mine in South Africa reaches over 4 km below the surface. Rock temperatures reach 60C, requiring massive cooling systems. Workers travel over an hour just to reach the working face.

What is the largest open-pit mine?

Bingham Canyon Mine in Utah is the largest man-made excavation, 4 km wide and 1.2 km deep. Over 19 million tonnes of copper have been extracted. It is visible from space.

What is the oldest mine?

Several sites claim the title. Lion Cave in Swaziland shows ochre mining from 43,000 years ago. The Great Orme copper mines date to 1800 BC. Hallstatt salt mine has operated for 3,000 years.

Which mine produces the most gold?

The Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa has produced over 2 billion ounces, more than 40% of all gold ever mined. Currently, the Grasberg mine in Indonesia and Muruntau in Uzbekistan are the top producers.