It's too bad these mining operations are in the private sector. Just think of all the good that could be done if the state of Utah owned the mine and used the 100% of the profits to fund education.

It doesn't belong to the state, but Kenecott is now making a lot more money because of the runup of metals prices. If Utah began a small severance tax on minerals pulled from the ground this would go a long way to help education and in the long run would help businesses of all types including Kennecott.

If the mining operation was government owned and operated, there wouldn't be near the profit there is now. Numerous communist and socialist nations have proved that.

In response to the first "Anonymous" comment. Utah state does own land it could mine. If the state still owned the land no revenue would be generated. Kennecott pays its fair share in taxes and is reinvesting its profits. We all benefit by supporting and protecting private ownership rights.

Steve is correct. Why would you other people want the state to own everything. What is/was the standard of living in the USSR? The state does get money from KCC and all of the people who work there. There is great economic benefit to the whole state, not just to the state govt. The libs would want to shut it down. Remember if it is not grown, it is mined.

Thanks Steve. My thoughts exactly.

But considering how many Americans actually believe Congress can more effectively refine and deliver oil and gasoline than private companies, it's not surprising they would also believe the government could run a mine profitably and efficiently.

With this extra revenue, will Kennecott be able to replace the mountain that they removed?

In 2008 the Utah State Legislature established a trust fund for Severence Tax (HB 58-Severance Tax Amendments). This was a great program set up by the state as Kennecott, other mining and refineries in Utah will not be in operation forever. Now there is a trust fund established that the State can draw on well after companies are gone. Other States including Wyoming and New Mexico established something similar a long time ago and are making Billions on it today. Utah's probably will not generate that much because of way it was set up and the amount of minerals pulled out is drastically different in other states.

What is the environmental impact of this MAP project? In 25 years will there be another tailings pond cover up, or Bingham creek clean up? It’s great they’re bringing this additional business and revenue to the state, but what else will they give their neighbors?

Kennecott may have removed the mountain, but they've more than made up for it by giving us ugly, overpriced houses in Daybreak. That seems like a fair trade-off, right?

Oh wait - that's a double negative. They destroyed a mountain, and then built an ugly housing development.

One time my brother and I drove to Kennecott and when we got there it was closed. I was really disappointed. I have lived in Utah for 15+ years and still have not been able to go see it. I think a trip like that would be really neat.

Jeremy
Do you live in a house with electric wiring? So you think no one else should? Thus the hole and thus the homes.

I think Anonymous is sad because they obviously did not get an education. The state makes a lot of money off of KCC.

Too bad they don't say how many jobs it will create for the state.
I wish they would take the tailings pond I live near to and put it back through the smelter. I'm sure there is a lot of stuff in it they missed the first time, then we'd be rid of that mess and the damage it could do to. Oh wait, they don't want to ruin the mountain on the North end of the valley because they are destroying the one on South end in exchange.

Don't you think taxpayers pay way more than their fair share of tax already to the state of Utah? How about fair distribution of tax money.

Everyone is equally guilty of changing the face of Utah, our homes, the highways we use, stores we all shop in, the airports that brings us all closer together and yes business that makes all of this possible.

Hey al - USSR?

Re: Jeremy - Would you prefer a sea of cookie-cutter brown stucco homes to the thoughtful and colorful development of Daybreak?

It's amazing to me that even after the total failure of communism there are still people that think like anonymous.

Re: state doesn't own it but... I recieved a $6,000 scholarship from Rio Tinto, the parent company of Kennecott. Before I graduate I will have recieved $50,000 from Rio Tinto. This comes from part time jobs during the school year, summer internships, and scholarships. This company payed for my education and then some. Rio Tinto spends millions of dollars on education a year willingly, the government doesn't need to force them to. They understand the value of education just like the rest of us.

Rio Tinto is just as concerned if not more concerned about the environment than any body else. If you don't want holes in the ground or mountains moved because of mining, quit buying metals. Until then, try and be more realistic.