mining. it’s a mineral if it… is naturally occurring is an inorganic compound has specific...
TRANSCRIPT
Mining
It’s a mineral if it…
• Is naturally occurring• Is an inorganic compound• Has specific physical and chemical
properties (melting point, density, hardness)
Minerals are non-renewable
• Resources are mineral deposits that are presumed to exist
• Reserves are known to exist and are economically exploitable– Strategic reserves are stock piled by
government for emergency use (?)
• The most accessible deposits are already being used
What are our options when high grade ores are depleted?
• exploit lower grade ores (costs more, more environmental impact)
• recycle, reuse• Find substitutes or do without
Environmental Impacts
• Exploration is not totally benign• activities can fragment and destroy habitat and
cause physical changes in land, soil, water
Subsurface mining
• more dangerous to miners, but less damaging to environment
Surface mining
• strip mining, mountaintop removal • more profitable • less dangerous for workers…• …but more environmentally
destructive
Acid Mine Drainage
• sulfides from deposits can contaminate surface and ground water
Problems
• Written for "pick and shovel" miners, not modern mining techniques
• Subsidizes large mining companies, they keep all profits from mines
• Many more people live in the West now and are exposed to contamination
• When companies declare bankruptcy, taxpayers must pay for cleanup
• Mining practices can undermine environmental protection
• Make amendments!
Social Impact
• Bust and boom economy
• Original influx of people stretches local services
• When mines close communities are abandoned
Surface Mine Reclamation Act of 1977
• Federal law that requires reclamation of coal mines. Some states require mineral mine reclamation
General Mining Act of 1872
• Designed to promote development and economy out West
• Opened public land to prospecting and mining.
• Land can be explored and minerals extracted for $5/acre
• Miners do not pay royalties