Are you familiar with the U.S. Mines at the Highest Altitudes?
U.S. mines with soaring elevations are spread throughout four western U.S. states: Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. Number three on the list is just a stone’s throw from the highest incorporated city in the U.S., Leadville, Colorado.
Take a glance at North America’s peak pits, keeping in mind how trying transporting workers and heavy machinery must be at such heights:
1. Henderson, Colorado
Elevation: 10,715 feet
Owned by Climax Molybdenum
Underground molybdenum mine
2. Cripple Creek, Colorado
Elevation: 10,492 feet
Owned by Newmont USA
Open-pit gold and silver mine
3. Climax, Colorado
Elevation: 10,089 feet
Owned by Climax Molybdenum
Open-pit molybdenum mine
4. Skyline No. 3, Utah
Elevation: 8,835 feet
Owned by Bowie Resources
Underground coal mine
5. War Eagle Mountain, Idaho
Elevation: 8,022 feet
Owned by Silver Falcon
Underground gold and silver mine
6. Thompson Creek, Idaho
Elevation: 7,884 feet
Owned by Blue Pearl Mining
Open-pit molybdenum mine
7. Bowie No. 2, Colorado
Has been recognized with reclamation awards for their efforts in minimizing disturbance to the hydrologic balance & impacts on fish and wildlife in Colorado.
Elevation: 7,864 feet
Owned by Bowie Resources
Underground coal mine
8. Sufco, or Southern Utah Fuel Co.
Utah’s oldest coal mine
Elevation: 7,546 feet
Owned by Bowie Resources
Underground coal mine
9. Smoky Canyon, Wyoming
Elevation: 7493 feet
Owned by Simplot
Open-pit phosphate rock mine
10. King II, Colorado
Elevation: 7471 feet
Owned by GCC Energy
Underground coal mine
For industry-specific news, visit our mining industry page.