In 1955, open-pit mining operations began in the Berkeley Pit. Open-pit mining was safer, and more cost-effective compared to underground mining. It was also utilized because low-grade ore could be mined more efficiently. However, as the Berkeley Pit began to enlarge, it expanded into Butte’s ethnic neighborhoods causing people to move from their homes as well as wiping out churches, schools, and businesses. The Berkeley Pit closed in 1982. Groundwater slowly began filling the pit after the pumps were shut off that diverted the water from the pit. Today, the Berkeley Pit is filled with water that is about 900 feet deep, a mile long, and a half-mile wide. The water is highly acidic. It is currently being pumped out of the pit, put through a water treatment facility, and discharged into Silver Bow Creek or used in Montana Resources mining operations.

Directions: Download the packet below. Review the newspaper article and answer the question sheet, then complete the word search.