The largest active mining operation in the state of Montana by physical scale, economic output, and workforce is the Continental Pit, located just north of Butte, which is operated by Montana Resources. This massive open-pit mining complex extracts substantial quantities of copper and molybdenum daily using heavy industrial machinery, complex crushing circuits, and flotation concentration technology. Historically, the area was also home to the colossal Berkeley Pit, which represents one of the largest historic open-pit extraction sites in the American West. These operations underscore the deep industrial footprint and mineral wealth that define southwestern Montana's storied mining landscape.