Last summer I mentioned the five C’s that fuel Arizona’s economy, Copper, Cotton, Cattle, Citrus, and Climate. Today I show you an open pit copper mine located in the high desert east of Phoenix. This mine is commonly called the Ray Mine and it is currently operated by ASARCO (American Smelting and Refining Company). 
I took these pictures standing at a view point and looking into the pit. I could see and hear the equipment working below. From where I stood, they looked like Tonka toys way down there.
I think I prefer the natural setting of your post yesterday to the activity surrounding this open pit mining. I saw a similar activity in northern Minnesota years ago, and the scars on the earth stabbed my heart.
ReplyDeleteFor such tiny little creatures, we certainly can dig some might big holes for ourselves.
ReplyDeleteHuge and impressive!
ReplyDeleteThe scale of this requires contemplation of the huge size of the mining truck that is a small speck in your second photo.
ReplyDeleteNot mankinds best legacy, but necessary I suppose.
ReplyDeleteYou had a great day for a road trip. Just look at that sky!
ReplyDeleteThey do indeed look like tinker toys
ReplyDeletei think is a difficult work.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I have a problem with open pit mining...your photos, while excellent, rend my heart even as the earth is rent open...
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally, «Louis» was thinking yesterday for some unknown reason about the huge ASARCO copper pit in Butte, Montana. When the mine declined, so did the town and it has never recovered.
ReplyDeleteReally reminds me of the Lavendar Pit in Bisbee!
ReplyDeleteThere is beauty even in mining...i love the mix of the soft, desert colors
ReplyDelete