Utah Mining History

Mining History Association

34th Annual Conference, June 5-9, 2024
Park City, Utah

WELCOME

Park City, Utah will be our host city for the 34^th Annual Conference of the Mining History Association on June 5-9, 2024. After nearly 35 years convening MHA conferences in historic mining venues across the Nation, we are extremely pleased to finally bring our annual meeting to Utah. This long-overdue visit to the historic Park City environs and other storied Utah mining camps is a “must” for all lovers of mining history.

In partnership with the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History, the Utah State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and our other key sponsors, MHA 2024 – Park City will offer a full schedule of formal sessions, memorable field trips, an array of vendors, and a variety of social events in these picturesque and exciting surroundings. Our conference headquarters is the conveniently located Conference Center at The DoubleTree Yarrow Resort.

The 2002 XIX Olympic Winter Games gave many their first look at the old mining town that had reinvented itself as a World Class wintertime destination for skiers. Summer provides visitors with plenty of other outdoor recreational activities including hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking and, of course, exploring the fascinating mining history of the area.

Utah Mining History

The Mormon pioneers settled the Salt Lake Valley starting in 1847. Although church leaders initially discouraged prospecting and mining, attitudes gradually changed. Utah’s mining history begins in the 1860s. By the time the transcontinental railroads reached the area in 1869, mining was well underway in several districts. In 1870, a railroad branch line was opened to Salt Lake City. More branch lines followed to serve the mining areas. By then, even several Mormon church leaders were active in silver mining.

The following excerpt form Philip F. Notarianni’s “Mining,” from the online Utah History Encyclopedia, provides more of the early history. (1)

“The beginnings of commercial mining in Utah are traced to Colonel Patrick E. Connor and his California and Nevada Volunteers who arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in October 1862. Many of these soldiers were experienced prospectors and, with Connor's blessing and prompting, they searched the nearby Wasatch and Oquirrh mountains for gold and silver. In 1863 the first formal claims were located in the Bingham Canyon area, and this spurred further exploration.

“Discoveries soon followed in Tooele County and in Little Cottonwood Canyon (1864). With the development of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 came the transportation network necessary to elevate Utah's mining efforts from small-scale activity to larger commercial enterprises. Other early mining areas included the Big Cottonwood, Park City, and Tintic districts, along with the West Mountain District, which encompassed the entire Oquirrh mountain range. Mining activity in these regions grew through the 1880s, but, as surface deposits dwindled, the need to mine for mineral sources at depths far beneath the surface necessitated larger amounts of capital, and individual efforts generally gave way to corporate interests. Between 1871 and 1873 the British invested heavily in Utah mining ventures, the most noted being the Emma Mine in Little Cottonwood Canyon, which was rocked with scandal involving unscrupulous mining promotion.

“After the Panic of 1893 and the subsequent depression had ended, mining in Utah burgeoned. By 1912, 88 mining districts were listed for the state (between the years 1899 and 1928 the Salt Lake Mining Review listed some 122 districts). Production figures, in terms of total value compiled to 1917, illustrate the successful mining of gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc in Utah's three leading mining districts:

· Bingham (1865-1917) - $419,699,686

· Park City (1870-1917) - $169,814,024

· Tintic (1869-1917) - $180,401,804

“Other districts listed included Big and Little Cottonwood ($25,722,533), American Fork ($3,895,050), Piute County ($3,679,143), Carbonate ($478,122), Mt. Nebo ($190,762), and West Tintic ($139,018).”

For an excellent and concise history of the major mining districts, see “Selected Mining Districts of Utah” by Carl L. Ege, Miscellaneous Publication 05-5, Utah Geological Survey, https://ugspub.nr.utah.gov/publications/misc_pubs/MP-05-5.pdf (Accessed October 30, 2023).

Today Utah remains an important mining state. In 2022 (2) (latest published statistics from the Utah Geological Survey) its production of metals, industrial minerals, and coal was valued at $4.7 billion. Base metal production (copper, magnesium, beryllium, molybdenum, and iron) was valued at $2.1 billion of which $1.6 billion was from copper. Precious metals (primarily gold and silver) amounted to $300 million. An additional $5.6 billion of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids was produced in 2022.

The Bingam Canyon Mine produced 82% of Utah’s metals production in 2022 (copper, molybdenum, precious metals, and byproducts). Rio Tinto announced that it would begin underground mining at Bingham Canyon in 2023.

Much attention has recently been focused on the growing dependency on foreign sources of many minerals. The most recent Federal Critical Mineral List included 50 minerals. (3) Utah produces 6 of them. The only U.S. beryllium mine is at Spor Mountain, UT. Magnesium metal is produced from Great Salt Lake brines. Lithium is a byproduct of production of magnesium metal. Platinum and palladium are byproducts of precious metal production at the Bingham Canyon Mine. Tellurium recovery began from Bingham Canyon ore began in 2023. A fluorspar mine was expected to begin production in 2023.

References:

1. Notarianni, Philip F., “Mining,” Utah History Encyclopedia,

https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/m/MINING.shtml (Accessed October 26, 2023).

2. Rupke, Andrew, et al, “Utah Mining 2022: Metals, Industrial Minerals, Uranium, Coal, and Unconventional Fuels” Circular 136, Utah Geological Survey, Utah Department of Natural Resources, (Salt Lake City: UGS, 2023), https://geology.utah.gov/energy-minerals/info/energy-mineral-statistics (Accessed October 26, 2023).

3. Federal Register (2022), “2022 Final List of Critical Minerals,” Federal Register, v87, n37, February 24, 2022, p.10381-10382. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-02-24/pdf/2022-04027.pdf (Accessed October 27, 2023).

ACCOMMODATIONS

Our conference headquarters is The Yarrow Resort by DoubleTree (https://www.yarrowhotelparkcity.com), where we have secured a block of rooms at an attractive conference rate of $169/night (Resort Fee included). Those wishing to book rooms now may call DoubleTree reservations at (435) 649-7000. Please Note: The deadline for discounted group room rates has expired. Normal room rates will apply.

TRANSPORTATION
By Air

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is served by more than a dozen domestic and international carriers, ( https://slcairport.com).

There are public bus, private shuttle, Lyft, and Uber transportation options to get from SLC or downtown Salt Lake City to Park City. At this time (February 2024), it is the middle of ski season in Park City. The schedules and prices will change for the summer season. Updated information will be provided closer to the time of the MHA Conference. Check back on this website or Google “Transportation from SLC to Park City, Utah.”

Contact information for several companies are listed below:

Snow Country Limousine -- 435-714-0159

Salt Lake Valley Transportation -- 801-644-0696

Canyon Transportation -- 801-255-1841

Salt Lake City Uber -- https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/salt-lake-city/

By Car

Park City is located 38 miles (42 minutes) east of Salt Lake City International Airport via Interstate Highway 80. For travelers going east or west on I-80, Park City is 7 miles (10 minutes) south of the Kimball Junction Exit. North-south I-15 connects with I-80 in Salt Lake City.

By Rail

AMTRAK serves Salt Lake City with its famous transcontinental trains “Southwest Chief” and “California Zephyr” that connect Chicago and points east to San Francisco and return.

Park City Public Transportation

Park City is in a valley making it a rather long but compact town. It is a year-round ski and tourist destination. Summertime crowds can make parking difficult. Fortunately, the Park City Transit system provides a convenient and free means for getting around.

PARK CITY WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENT

Park City is at an elevation of 7,000 feet. The typical June temperatures in range between 46 and 72°F. At a lower elevation (4,300 feet), warmer Salt Lake City temperatures range between 56 and 83°F.

Because of the altitude at Park City and several of the field trip locales, attendees with health concerns are encouraged to candidly evaluate their physical abilities and acclimate to the extent possible. Ultraviolet exposure and hydration are also important issues. Sunscreen and drinking lots of water will be important.

CLICK ON PHOTOS

FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW

Park City in the Summer

Silver King Tramway Tower and the adjacent Town [Ski] Lift, Park City

Daly West and Quincy Mines, Park City

Daly West Headframe restored by the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History

Miners at the Ontario Mine, Park City

Ontario Mine in 1990

Park City Miners Hospital, venue

for the Community Welcome Event

Hiawatha Coal Mine, Hiawatha, UT

Mine Office Building, Hiawatha, UT

Photos Courtesy: Park City Chamber of Commerce, Park City Museum, Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History (FSMMH), Library of Congress, Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), Wikipedia, Mark Langenfeld, Mike Kaas

CONFERENCE PROGRAM (CLICK TO DOWNLOAD)

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

On-site Registration for the formal Program Sessions only (June 6-7, 2024)

will be available June 5-7, 2024, at The Yarrow Resort

Tour and Social Function Tickets are sold out.

SOCIAL EVENTS

Park City’s Community Welcome Event – Miners Hospital (1354 Park Avenue) – 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (Complimentary refreshments)

CLICK HERE to view the Photo Gallery.

MHA Welcoming Reception with BBQ buffet, Double Tree-Yarrow Resort, Ballroom C, 6 p.m., Thursday, June 6, 2024. (Cash bar)

CLICK HERE to view the Photo Gallery.

Awards Banquet, Double Tree-Yarrow Resort, Ballrooms A and B, 6 p.m., Friday, June 7, 2024. (Cash bar)

CLICK HERE to view the Photo Gallery.

Presidential Luncheon, Double Tree-Yarrow Resort, Ballrooms A and B, Noon, Saturday, June 8, 2024.

The annual Passing of the Pick. Incoming MHA President, Eric Clements, receives

the ceremonial Presidents Plaque from outgoing President, Dana Bennett.

FORMAL SESSIONS

Friday, June 7, 2024 – 8 a.m. – 4:50 p.m.

Saturday, June 8, 2024 – 8 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.

TOURS AND FIELD TRIPS

Please note: (1) All field trips and tours have strictly limited capacities and are expected to be heavily subscribed. Register early to avoid disappointment. (2) All field trips and tours will require at least some walking/hiking. See individual event descriptions for details.

All-day Park City Environs-Historic Mining Sites and Structures Tour (with bottled water and box lunch), Thursday, June 6, 2024, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Led by Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History. Point-to-point bus transportation with on-site walking/hiking required. (Capacity 72)

CLICK HERE to view the Photo Gallery

Silver King Mine Hoisting Shaft,

Park City (HABS)

Mine owner, Thomas Kearns, at the

Silver King, Park City (FSMMH)

Silver King Mill, Park City (HABS)

Historic Glenwood Cemetery (Park City) Walking Tour, Saturday, June 8, 2024, 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m., transportation via carpool/caravan from Double Tree-Yarrow Resort – Led by Diane Knispel, Director of Education, Park City Historical Society & Museum. (Capacity 20)

This tour will explore this historic and beautiful cemetery, established in 1885 by a number of Park City’s early fraternal organizations. It is the final resting place for many of Park City’s first families. Paths meander around gravesites, through groves of trees and along a mountain stream. Listed on the National Historic Register in 1981, the cemetery was acquired and is maintained by the Park City Museum. Note: Due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict, this tour will overlap Sessions 10 and 11.

CLICK HERE to view the Photo Gallery

Glenwood Cemetery, Utah State Historic Site

Glenwood Cemetery, Park City

(Findagrave.com)

Cargeeg Family plot, all natives of Cornwall,

England. Francis died of silicosis.

Bessie died in childbirth, leaving 7

children motherless.

All-day Eureka/Tintic Mining District -Significant Mining Sites and Structures (with bottled water and a sit-down lunch), Sunday, June 9, 2024, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Led by Ian Wright and Chase Roberts of the Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program and the staff of the Osisko Tintic Project. Point-to-point bus transportation with on-site walking/hiking required. (Capacity 54)

This fast-paced trip will visit the Tintic Mining Museum and downtown Eureka, the Chief Consolidated mine site and its largely intact hoist/compressor house and machine shop, the Eagle and Blue Bell mine ore bin, headframe, and hoist house, the Osisko Tintic Project with the Trixie and Burgin Mines, and a limited selection of other key historic sites in the Tintic region as time permits. Note: This tour will fill a longish day. Thus, most participants will likely wish to include Sunday night in their Double Tree – Yarrow Resort reservations.

CLICK HERE to view the Photo Gallery

Tintic Standard Mine at Tintic, UT (HABS)

Eagle/Blue Bell Mine,

Eureka/Tintic, UT (Mark Langenfeld)

Chief Consolidated No. 1,

Eureka/Tintic, UT (HABS)

All-day, drive-it-yourself, post-conference Tour of Utah Coal Country Tour - Carbon County Coal and Railroads (with bottled water and a sit-down lunch), Monday, June 10, 2024, 8:00 am. – 4:00 p.m. Led by Seth Button, Senior Associate Archaeologist for Logan Simpson. This trip will visit the Helper (Utah) Museum, focusing on local coal mining and railroading history. It will also provide a rare opportunity to explore the nearby mid-20^th-century coal-company “ghost town” of Hiawatha and (road conditions permitting) at least one of its nearby mine sites. Helper is a 2+ hour drive from Park City, much of it through spectacular canyon country. Lunch will be provided between the museum and Hiawatha visits. Some participants may wish to overnight in the Helper/Price area in order to more fully explore these picturesque communities and their historic and scenic surroundings. Otherwise, cars may return to Park City at the end of the day, or head for Salt Lake City or home.

CLICK HERE to view the Photo Gallery.

Miners at the Four Points Coal Mine,

Kenilworth, UT (HABS)

Retro Main Street in Coal Town,

Helper, UT (Mark Langenfeld)

Railroad Station in Coal Camp,

Hiawatha, UT (HABS)

The Park City Museum. Although conference week will be busy, you should definitely make time to visit the Park City Museum (528 Main Street) and its excellent mining displays. Museum admission fees are included in your conference registration – your conference name badge will serve as your entry pass. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. At least an hour is needed to explore everything the museum has to offer, plan to arrive no later than 4 p.m. (www.parkcityhistory.org).

ON THE WAY TO PARK CITY

Mining Memorial Park, Green River, Wyoming

Travelling to Park City by Interstate 80, Mark and Lynn Langenfeld passed through Green River, the center of trona (soda ash) mining in southwestern Wyoming. The Mining Memorial Park overlooks the Green River and contains “Shift Change” a sculpture of two trona miners by the artist, Bryan Cordova. A display of several pieces of underground mining equipment is also in the park. Definitely worth a stop if you are traveling in that area.

U.S. Bureau of Mines, Experimental Oil Shale Mine, Rifle, Colorado

To cross an item off their Buckett List, Mike and Pat Kaas decided to fly to Denver and then take the AMTRAK California Zephyr train from Denver to Salt Lake City. On the route of travel, the Zephyr passed through Rifle, Colorado, the location of the Bureau of Mines Experimental Oil Shale Mine, oil recovery plant, and a townsite developed during the 1950s. The train also passed through Helper, Utah, the location of one of the tours conducted during the MHA 2024 Park City Conference. CLICK HERE to see the sights along the way.

Rio Tinto/Kennecott Bingham Canyon Mine, Copperton, Utah

One of the great benefits of the MHA Annual Conferences is the opportunity to meet old friends and explore other historic mining sites in the conference area. Susan and Mike Canty joined Pat and Mike Kaas to visit the famous and very historic Bingham Canyon Mine on their way to Park City. The mine is one of the largest manmade structures on Earth and is visible from outer space. This mining and metallurgical complex has pioneered technologies for mining and processing low grade copper ores and for recovering a number of valuable byproduct metals. Copper is an essential commodity for the successful transition to a clean energy economy. CLICK HERE to see the Bingham Canyon Mine on the way to the MHA.

SIDE TRIPS ON THE WAY TO PARK CITY

For mining history buffs, the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine should be on everyone’s bucket list. For a DIY visit, our fellow MHAer, Jack Crawford, has prepared an “Orientation Guide” to the Bingham Canyon Mine. CLICK HERE to download your copy. The well-illustrated guide covers the historical development of the mine, processing facilities, and the nearby towns. The Rio Tinto/Kennecott Visitors Center is located just 12 miles (25 minutes) from the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and 47 miles (50 minutes) from Park City. From the Visitors Center, tour buses take visitors to the viewpoint on the rim of the gigantic open pit mine (the modest fee supports local charities). This is the only way to actually see the mine. During the 138 years (1887-2024) of mining in the Bingham Canyon area, mining technologies have advanced from several individual underground mines, to a single surface mine with rail haulage, to the huge truck, shovel, and conveyor belt haulage operation we see today. In 2023, the mine began utilize underground mining to recover ore that cannot be mined economically by open pit methods. On the return drive to SLC or to Park City, the modern Rio Tinto/Kennecott Concentrator, Smelter, and Refinery near Magna, UT, as well as the Great Salt Lake can be seen from the highway. For a look at how Bingham Canyon Mine has evolved over a century, CLICK HERE for Jack Crawford’s, March 16, 2021, MHA NUGGETS video presentation.

If you love National Parks, Utah’s ”Big Five” are sure to be on your bucket list. From southwest to northeast, the parks are geologic wonders and true National treasures: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park.

OTHER UTAH ATTRACTIONS

Park City Museum -- (free admission with MHA 2024 name badge) – Located on Main Street, the award-winning Park City Museum offers a broad array of exhibits featuring mining and other unique elements of the town’s remarkable history. www.parkcityhistory.org

Utah Olympic Park – Park City – Built for the 2002 Winter Olympics, the park offers year-round USOC housing and training facilities for aspiring Olympians, ski jumps, a bobsled/luge run and an extensive Winter Olympics museum.

www.utaholympiclegacy.org

Natural History Museum of Utah – Salt Lake City – showcasing exhibits focusing on the natural history of Utah and the Intermountain West and the place of humans within it.

www.nhmu.utah.edu

Mt.Timpanogos and Timpanogos Cave National Monument – Mt. Timpanogos is Utah’s second-highest peak in the Wasatch Range, at 11,752 ft. The mountain is surrounded by beautiful high-alpine terrain and numerous hiking trails. Timpanogos Cave offers seasonal guided, 55-minute tours of its spectacular underground scenery (advance reservations recommended, available online or at 877-444-6777). A strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the cave is required. www.nps.gov/tica/index.htm

Heber Valley Railroad – The famed “Heber Creeper” railroad offers scenic rides with incredible views of the Wasatch mountains and the Deer Creek reservoir. (Advance reservations recommended.) www.hebervalleyrr.org

The Family History Library – the largest genealogical research facility in the world is operated by the LDS in Salt Lake City. It Is staffed by trained research assistants and volunteer, and is free and open to the public. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/family-history-library

Salt Lake (Mormon) Tabernacle/Temple Square – free admission, tours, organ recitals and special events (check schedule) www.churchofjesuschrist.org/feature/templesquare

Fort Douglas Military Museum – Ft. Douglas was established in 1862 three miles east of Salt Lake City to protect overland mail routes and telegraph lines. Free admission. www.fortdouglas.org

Great Salt Lake State Park – Some of the best public viewpoints of the Great Salt Lake (with the gigantic RTK smelter just over your shoulder) – large beach areas provide a chance to wet your feet. Modest admission fee. https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/great-salt-lake

VISITOR INFORMATION LINKS

Visit Utah (Travel Guide and Maps)

https://www.visitutah.com/plan-your-trip/Utah-Travel-Guide

Visit Park City (Chamber of Commerce-Convention and Visitor’s Bureau)

https://www.visitparkcity.com/

Visit Salt Lake City (Visitors Guides)

https://www.visitsaltlake.com/plan-your-visit/free-visitors-guide/

Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience (Bingham Canyon Visitor Center), Jordan, UT

https://www.riotinto.com/en/operations/us/kennecott/visitor-experience

Utah’s National Parks (National Park Service)

https://nps.gov

READINGS AND REFERENCES

Rupke, Andrew, et al, “Utah Mining 2022: Metals, Industrial Minerals, Uranium, Coal, and Unconventional Fuels” Circular 136, Utah Geological Survey, Utah Department of Natural Resources, (Salt Lake City: UGS, 2023), https://geology.utah.gov/energy-minerals/info/energy-mineral-statistics (accessed 26 October 2023).

Whitley, Colleen, ed., “From the Ground Up: The History of Mining in Utah,” Utah State University Press (Logan, UT, 2006).

Thompson, George A. and Buck, Fraser, “Treasure Mountain Home: Park City Revisited,” Dream Garden Press (Salt Lake City, UT,1993). [Previously published as “Treasure Mountain Home: A Centennial History of Park City, Utah,” Deseret Book Company (Salt Lake City, UT, 1968).]

Hawley, Charles Caldwell, “A Kennecott Story: Three Mines, Four Men, and One Hundred Years, 1897-1997,” The University of Utah Press (Salt Lake City, UT, 2014).

Ringholz, Raye Carleson, “Diggings & Doings in Park City,” (Park City, UT, 1983).

Notarianni, Philip F., “Faith, Hope and Prosperity: The Tintic Mining District,” Tintic Historical Society (Eureka, UT, 1982)

Ege, Carl L., “Selected Mining Districts of Utah,” Miscellaneous Publication 05-5, Utah Geological Survey (Salt Lake City, UT, 2005). https://ugspub.nr.utah.gov/publications/misc_pubs/MP-05-5.pdf (Accessed October 30, 2023).

Boutwell, John Mason, “Geology and Ore Deposits of the Park City Mining District, Utah,” Professional Paper 77, U.S. Geological Survey, (Washington: GPO, 1912). https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/pp77 (Accessed October 30, 2023).

Lindgren, Waldemar, and G. F. Loughlin, et al, “Geology and Ore Deposits of the Tintic Mining District, Utah,” Professional Paper 107, U.S. Geological Survey, (Washington: GPO, 1919). https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/pp107 (Accessed October 30, 2023).

Morris, H. T., and T. S. Lovering, et al, “General Geology and Mines of the East Tintic Mining District, Utah and Juab Counties, Utah,” Professional Paper 1024. U.S. Geological Survey, (Washington: GPO, 1979). https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/pp1024 (Accessed October 30, 2023).

Boutwell, John Mason, et al, “Economic Geology of the Bingham Mining District, Utah,” Professional Paper 38, U.S. Geological Survey, (Washington: GPO, 1905). https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/pp38 (Accessed October 30, 2023).

Taniguchi, Nancy J., “Coal Mining in Utah” Utah History Encyclopedia,

https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/m/MINING.shtml (Accessed October 26, 2023).

Vanden Berg, Michael D., “Utah’s Energy Landscape,” Circular 127, 5sup>th Edition, Utah Geological Survey, 2020, https://ugspub.nr.utah.gov/publications/circular/c-127/c-127.pdf (Accessed October 30, 2023).

UtahRails.Net, https://utahrails.net/utahrails/utahrails-index.php. Check out the sections on Mining and the various mining areas. (Accessed 26 October 2023).

UtahRails Photos, https://donstrack.smugmug.com/UtahRails (Accessed 26 October 2023).

CONFERENCE SPONSORS

Rio Tinto Kennecott

Tintic Consolidated Metals/Osisko Development

Park City Museum and Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History

Utah State Historic Preservation Office

Charles Redd Center, Brigham Young University

Utah Historical Society

Utah Humanities

Logan Simpson

Ivanhoe Electric

Park City Chamber of Commerce

Individual Sponsors:

Rudy Davison

Mark & Lynn Langenfeld

2024 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Mark and Lynn Langenfeld, Co-Chairs

2024 PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Brian Leech, Chair