A large landslide last week at Kennecott Utah’s Bingham Canyon copper mine has stopped poduction and could result in furloughs or layoffs. The landslide occured on April 10, 2013 at around 9:30 pm in the northeast pit wall. The slide had been actively monitored for some time, and prior to the failure, the rate of movement did increase significantly and all employees were safely evacuated. No word on volume estimates at this point, but the flow of ore has stopped until the cleanup has taken place. Work resumed in another part of the mine, but that involved removing overburden material. [Source: Deseret News. Image: Ravell Call, Deseret News]
Related Articles
Dr. Oskar Steffen, the S in SRK, Passes Away at 77
City of Chilliwack, British Columbia to Pay $18M for Up to 42 Homes On Landslide
The Chilliwack Times reports that the City of Chilliwack will pay 80% of the assessed home value for up to 42 homes in an Eastern Hillside subdivision that are located on a slow moving landslide. The issue was first noticed in 2001 and several homes have had significant damage, but most are currently undamaged. The City denies any responsibility, but it’s legal counsel recommended a settlement. (Photo by Paul J. Henderson, Chilliwack Times)
Normally the geotechnical engineer for the subdivision would be held accountable. But apparently the slip surface is located 30-m below grade, much deeper than borings for a typical investigation for a subdivision. I wonder if there were any geologists consulted? Click through for a Google map view of the area and you can do your own armchair photogeology quarterbacking! Your heart does go out to the people losing their homes, they had no idea. But it could be worse, they could be in La Jolla and be getting squat.