Mining in Butte, Montana

 Mining in Butte, Montana
Loading ore trucks in Butte's "new pit", located to the east of the water filled Berkley Pit, carries on the tradition of open-pit mining which began in the 1960's after shaft mining for copper no longer proved cost efficient.  The new pit is within sight of the old, visible from Montana I-15 as it climbs the Continental Divide.

postmarked in 2013 with four vintage stamps, three of which are from the 'America's Mineral Heritage' series and also a Fort Moultrie Flag stamp

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The sender (Postcards and Road Trips) writes:
After making deliveries to various mines in the country, one thing I learned is to always drive on the LEFT SIDE when on a 'Haul Road'.  It looks like that's what they are doing in the photos also.

According to the Mine Safety and Health Administrations Hand Book, some reasons for driving on the left include:

1. Reduces the problems that drivers have with the blind spot on the right hand side of the truck.

2. Loaded trucks can have the inside lane and stay away from the outside edge.

3.  If two trucks do collide, the crash would not occur on the drivers side of the truck.

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America’s Mineral Heritage Stamps:

The 1974 “Mineral Heritage” was issued to commemorate the importance and abundance of mineral resources to the country.  

 USA stamp 1974
Mineral Heritage
Tourmaline, 10 cents

Tourmaline is a crystal boron silicate mineral compounded with elements such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium. It is classified as a semi-precious stone and the gemstone comes in a wide variety of colors.
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Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. The ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.  Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for February.
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Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral with chemical composition MnCO3. In its (rare) pure form, it is typically a rose-red color, but impure specimens can be shades of pink to pale brown.
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USA stamp 1968
Liberty
Fort Moultrie Flag 1776, 6 cents

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Fort Moultrie is the name of a series of citadels on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, built to protect the city of Charleston, South Carolina. The first fort, built of palmetto logs, inspired the flag and nickname of South Carolina, "The Palmetto State". It is named for the commander in the Battle of Sullivan's Island, General William Moultrie.

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The Moultrie Flag, also known as the Liberty Flag, was a key flag flown in the United States Revolutionary War.  It was designed by commission, in 1775 by Colonel William Moultrie, to prepare for war with Britain and was flown by his troops in the successful defense of Sullivan's Island against the British fleet in June, 1776.