Mining Issues

Intro In the last few classes, you learned where some ores form in relation to igneous and metamorphic rocks, and heard some stories about the Leadmines of Harwinton and possible gold discoveries in the area. In your text assignments, you read about ore formation and mining, and in class took notes on a flowchart of mining processes.

Instructions: Read the mining articles handed out in class: Each American Needs.., Earth's Limited Supply of Metals Raises Concern, "Water Supply Concerns Halt Rock Mining" (about pollution from mines in Florida), "After Deadlly Violence..."  (about pollution and politics in Indonesia by a US mining company),  "Guest Commentary" (an editorial that refers to the Mining Act of 1872 that requires the US government to allow mining on public property), and Earthworks' 1872 Mining Law

1. As you read the articles, cross reference articles to the flowchart:
-- mark articles with the mining step that is involved with what is described.
-- indicate on the flowchart what steps are referred to in the articles.

2. Describe why mining is required to maintain our way of living.

3. Explain why mining may have to increase to bring all people up to the same standard of living.

4. Describe how recycling provides many benefits, including decreasing the problems associated with mining.

5. Describe why mining pollution is such a serious problem in the US and in the world.

5. Explain what you think the US mining policy should be.

older handout:

Modern Mining

1. View the video "Common Ground - Modern Mining and You" , and answer the video analysis questions.

2. Read the article "Mining Law of 1972" from: http://www.ems.org/mining/sub2_mining.html

3. Use information from the article (and links on the website) to discuss the following questions in class, then answer below:

1. What is the cost per person of cleaning up past mining damage?

2. If all active mining claims are paying the fees set by the Mining Act of 1872, how much of the above cleanup costs are offset?

3. List 3 reasons to support the 1872 law.

4. List 3 reasons to change the law.

5. Suggest 5 provisions of a new law.

Finish these questions for homework. (Return to top of page)