AKA Garfield Smelter, Midvale, UT

(Associated names include Kennecott Corporation, Garfield Smelting Company, “Garfield Smelter,” ASARCO, Selby Smelting and Lead Company)

Jobsite

The American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) was constructed in the early 1900s and processed ores from various mining companies operating in Bingham Canyon of the Oquirrh Mountains west of Salt Lake City.  Over the years, the smelter expanded and updated the facility in order to recover sulphuric acid from the smelter gases and added a molybdenum oxide production plant at the property.  Kennecott Corporation purchased the Garfield Smelter in 1959.

Address or general location

Midvale, Utah

Detail

Construction of ASARCO’ Garfield Smelter began in 1905 and, in 1906, ASARCO reached an agreement with Utah Copper Company and Boston Consolidated to process ores from Bingham Canyon at the Garfield facility.  In 1959, Kennecott Corporation purchased the Garfield Smelter.  Over time, the smelter was updated to reduce its environmental impact on the surrounding community and expanded to include sulphuric acid recovery operations and a molybdenum oxide production plant.  Throughout its operation, the Garfield Smelter employed hundreds of workers.