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Show The American Orsa Salt Mine in Redmond is a panorama of saline colors in a canyon that has meant sweet tasting low sodium salt to many In the Western United Slates. 'Orsa' Has Largest Open Pit Salt Mines in West The largest open-pit salt mines in the Western United States are located in Redmond, and produce pure rock salt for human and animal consumption. Neal Bosshardt, spokesman for the American Orsa, Redmond Clay and Salt Company, aserted this, as he outlined his knowledge of the salt mines. Annual production of all salt usually tips the mark of 35,000 tons, and this can include table salt, livestock salt, de-idng salt for roads in winter, ice cream salt, salt to kill weeds, putting salt on hides by taxidermists, and salt to seal ponds. Current, the family owned business is using tunneling through thick layers of salt, instead of continuing with the open pit method of mining. The pits are about 100 feet deep, and the tunnels vear off in various directions, going through at least 500 fet of pure rock salt These tunnels vary in length, from 150 yards to about 300 yares in length. "We were hoping it would be cheaper," said Bosshardt, "But it isn't" He was referring to the tunneling system at the bottom of the salt pits. "The deeper we go in the pits, the higher the walls are, and the inspectors don't Like those high walls." The men who do the Inspection are afraid the salt wil stuff off and cave in. Terracing would be necessary, and Bosshardt Likened this to the same process found at Ken-necott Copper Mine, and added that tunneling eliminates going deeper and eliminates terracing. "We did Incur some costs with tunneling, but when you consider excavating and unco ve ring-its the best alternative." The Bosshardt salt goes to all western states but it does not go much past the state of Nebraska. Ninety percent goes to the states uthat touch Utah, and most of this is for livestock purposes. The rest of the salt goes for road salt for use on winter highways. Nevada, Colorado and Utah buy this rock salt which is a combination of finely crushed salt that is broken down. The finest is lV85th of an inch. Then lW6th, l'Jth, and the coarsest is 114th of an inch. This past year was an extremely good year, but sales depend on the weather. He estimated the company has sold at least 5,000 tons just for de-idng purposes. The family also sells day, called Bentonlte, which is used for roofing material arid pond linings.Though salt and clay are separate entities, they are both mined in the same geographical location. Bentonite is volcanic ash that has been deposited in sea water, and salt is also a product of sea water. Much of the earth around Redmond is an extremely deep red color, and accounts for the naming of the town, Redmond. Geologists believe that the upheaval Just below the crust of the earth, was during the Jurasic period and it is theorized that at the time this eruption occured, the sea water covering this area began to dissipate. As a reference point, large deposits of petrified turtles are found in the same location. The table salt produced here is the best tasting salt you'll ever eat, according to Bosshardt. "Our salt is all natural, without chemicals as found in white salt. Some customers have submitted their salt for research, and people keep asking how much sugar is in our salt, as they say it tastes sweeter than white salt. The Bosshardts began mining in 1959. Three of his sons, Franz, John and Albert formed the Poulson William Poulson was one of the early pioneers of salt mining in Central Utah. His daim and production of salt was established near the turn of the century. Brothers Salt Company. A later division saw John and Franz continue the original company, while Albert formed the Albert Poulson Salt Co. John and Franz continued their mining efforts until World War LT, when three sons of John, Blain, Jewel and Wallace, took over the Co. The Poulson lineage was firm until the Bosshardts absorbed one of their mines in 1964, and later bought another mine from Albert's side of the family. Milo and LaMar Bosshardt founders of the Bosshardt family business retired, leaving production of salt and day to their sons. Ronnie Bosshardt now serves are president of the corporation, with Larry as vice-president and Neal Secretary. Jay is Treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Milo Bosshardt are currently serving an IDS Mission In Guatemala. Mr. and Mrs. LaMar Bosshardt recently returned from their mission to Mexico. Salt mining has been one of the main focus points in Central Utah dating back to the timer of the Trapper and Indians. Claims were staked, and using the pepper-mill method, using horses to help grind the salt. Today, sophisticated equipment, modem techniques of blasting, and a faster, smoother process of producing salt at the salt mines makes mining much easier. |