News Release

National Park Service warns visitors of collapsing ground near Bonanza Mine in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Map of the area near Bonanza Mine in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. Conditions can change unexpectedly. Be aware of and avoid hazards if you visit areas near abandoned mines.

NPS Image / Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

News Release Date: July 12, 2024

Contact: Wrangell-St. Elias Public Affairs

Copper Center, Alaska – This July, a Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve geologist observed new areas of ground subsidence (collapsing ground) around Bonanza Mine in Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.

Walking around old mining areas always poses hazards, but this change poses a particular danger to visitors because it is not immediately apparent. Walking over the area could lead to falls into old mine workings causing serious injury or death. This geologic activity may have been caused by collapsing underground excavation which could occur around other places near abandoned mining areas.

Due to the relatively large number of visitors who travel to Bonanza Mine during a typical summer season, park rangers are taking action so that hikers are mindful to watch for and avoid unstable ground and other hazards. Specifically, park rangers are:

• Installing additional signs around the Bonanza Mine area to make visitors more aware of potential abandoned mine hazards.

• Using new maps that highlight some of the unstable areas.

• Sharing updates on the park website and social media.

While these actions are intended to improve awareness of the hazards at areas like Bonanza Mine, your safety is your responsibility. Take advantage of the free tools the National Park Service provides online and in-person so that you have relevant information to safely enjoy your visit.

Kennecott Mining History
The area around and under Bonanza Mine was originally excavated by the Kennecott Copper Company beginning in the early-twentieth century. Kennecott Copper Company ceased operations at Bonanza Mine in the 1930s. In 1998, the National Park Service began managing the area which in the intervening years had been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Mine safety
This and other abandoned mineral lands in parks and on other public lands are dangerous. Anyone who visits areas in or near mines could encounter hazards like:

• Deadly drop-offs at mine openings or elsewhere underground.

• Rotten and unstable structures.

• Lethal gas.

• Cave ins.

• Unstable explosives.

• Deep pools of water.

• Dangerous animals.

Anyone who enters an area that is unstable endangers themselves and, if they require rescue, the lives of rescuers. Avoid abandoned mine hazards so that you do not put yourself or others in danger.

The Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR §13.1904 (a)-(c), prohibits entering closed structures, mine tunnels and other mine openings. It also prohibits camping in any historic structure or passing beyond barricades.