Palabora Mine

19641.9 km wideCopper

CountrySouth Africa

RegionLimpopo

Year Opened1964

Size/Depth1.9 km wide

MineralCopper

About Palabora Mine

The largest copper mine in South Africa. The open pit operated from 1964 to 2002 and is nearly 2 km wide. A deep underground block cave mine was built beneath the pit. Also produces magnetite and vermiculite. The ore body is the core of an ancient volcano. The nearby town of Phalaborwa grew up around the mine.

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