Berkeley Pit

The Berkeley Pit is an abandoned open-pit copper mine located in Butte, Montana. After mining activities ceased in the 1980s, groundwater filled the pit, creating a toxic lake with high acidity and heavy metals. This environmental issue poses risks to surrounding ecosystems and public health. The water in the pit is monitored, and efforts are ongoing to manage its contamination. The site serves as a stark reminder of the environmental impacts of mining and highlights the importance of responsible resource extraction and environmental stewardship.