The state wasn't exempt from the gold fever of the 19th century and we're still bringing the precious stuff out of our mountains and canyons
John Rogers
When you fly over the massive Rio Tinto Kennecott copper mine in southwest Salt Lake County, you don’t normally think of gold — you think of copper. But that giant pit produces a significant amount of the precious metal sought by man since the dawn of civilization.
Gold mining has been a cornerstone of Utah’s economy since the mid-1800s, shaping the state’s history and many of its towns. From the first discoveries in the Utah Territory to today’s advanced mining operations, gold has remained an integral part of Utah’s heritage and economy. While modern gold mining is far more sophisticated than the prospecting days of the 19th century, the echoes of the past still resonate in the towns and mines that continue to shape the state’s mining culture.
First Gold Rush
Gold was first discovered in Utah in 1848 by a group of settlers that were part of the westward migration of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — the Mormons. They found gold in what is now known as Dry Fork Canyon, near the site of the former town of Bingham Canyon, located southwest of Salt Lake City. However, the discovery didn’t lead to a rush of miners at the time, as the gold found was not abundant enough to spark the kind of frenzy seen in other parts of the West. It wasn’t until 1863, when large gold deposits were uncovered in the Oquirrh Mountains, that Utah’s gold mining industry began to take shape.
The discovery in the Oquirrh Mountains spurred the first major gold rush in Utah, attracting miners from all over the country. Small mining camps quickly sprung up, and towns like Bingham Canyon, Park City and Silver Reef became bustling hubs of activity. Bingham Canyon, now home to the Kennecott copper mine, was one of the earliest sites of substantial gold mining. The town’s population swelled with miners, and in 1863, gold was officially mined from the area, marking the start of Utah’s golden era.
At the same time, Park City, located in Summit County east of Salt Lake City, gained prominence as a mining town when silver was discovered in 1868. Although silver was the dominant metal mined there, gold was also found in significant amounts, contributing to the town’s wealth. By the late 1800s, Park City had transformed into a major mining town with its own smelter, hotels and businesses catering to miners and their families.
Towns, Railroads and Prosperity
As the 19th century wore on, gold mining in Utah expanded. The discovery of additional gold veins, particularly in Eureka (named for the Greek word for “I found it”) added to the rush. The advent of railroads in the 1870s made it easier to transport both gold and miners to the sites, spurring further economic growth.
Eureka, located in Juab County, became a central gold mining town after the discovery at the Eureka Hill gold mine in 1872. By the turn of the century, it had grown to a population of around 5,000 people. The city, with its wealth drawn from both gold and silver, boasted of hotels, saloons and stores to support its vibrant mining economy.
Despite a steady influx of miners and a number of successful gold strikes, the industry was often marked by boom-and-bust cycles, a pattern seen in many of Utah’s mining towns. As ore supplies diminished or gold prices fluctuated, many mining operations faced economic hardships. This volatility led to the decline of several towns, with many residents leaving when the mining activity slowed.
Gold Mining in the 20th Century
In the early 20th century, Utah’s gold mining industry faced stiff competition from other regions of the United States, such as neighboring Nevada, which became known for its large gold deposits. While gold continued to be mined in Utah, especially in areas like Bingham Canyon and Park City, the state’s attention shifted increasingly toward other minerals, particularly copper and silver. These metals dominated Utah’s mining industry for much of the 20th century.
By the mid-1900s, many of the older gold mines had closed, and Utah’s gold production had significantly diminished. However, interest in the state’s gold resources was rekindled in the 1980s as the global price of gold began to rise, sparking a new wave of mining activity.
Today, gold mining in Utah is much more sophisticated, employing advanced techniques such as cyanide heap leaching, which allows for the extraction of gold from low-grade ores that were previously not worth mining.
While gold mining in Utah is no longer as widespread as it once was, there are still active gold mines in operation. The Bingham Canyon Mine produces a significant amount of gold. The mine’s operator, Rio Tinto, recovers gold as a byproduct of copper extraction. The mine has been in operation since the early 1900s and continues to produce substantial quantities of both copper and gold, as well as silver and other metals.
Another major site for gold mining today is the Goldstrike Mine northwest of St. George, which is owned by the Barrick Gold Corp., one of the world’s largest gold mining companies. The Goldstrike Mine primarily produces gold through heap leaching processes. The operation involves low-grade ores, further demonstrating the evolving methods of gold extraction in modern times.
According to the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, gold production in the state in 2022 was estimated to be around 100,000 ounces, contributing significantly to the local economy. The mining of gold continues to support jobs in the region, both directly in the mines and in support industries, such as transportation, equipment manufacturing and local service providers. The Utah Department of Workforce Services estimates that the mining industry as a whole contributes more than $3 billion annually to the state’s economy.
For towns like Eureka, the presence of gold mining operations is still a major economic driver. Local businesses, from equipment suppliers to hospitality services, benefit from the mining activities.
“Gold mining is an important part of our state’s heritage, and it’s still creating jobs and economic growth today,” said Tom Brown, CEO of Goldstrike Mining. “The technology we use now allows us to extract gold more efficiently and responsibly than ever before. The benefits to the local economy are significant, and we are committed to supporting the community while ensuring sustainable practices.”
Environmental Challenges
While modern gold mining brings economic benefits, it also comes with environmental challenges. The use of cyanide in gold extraction has been controversial and environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential for contamination of water supplies and the long-term health of local ecosystems. The mining industry has taken steps to address these concerns, including increased regulation and adoption of more sustainable mining practices.
Utah’s gold mining industry has undergone significant changes since the first discoveries in the 1840s, transitioning from small-scale operations to sophisticated modern enterprises. While the gold rush days are long gone, Utah’s gold mines continue to play an important role in the state’s economy, providing jobs and contributing to the local and statewide economies.