Mining Impacts and Regulation Introduction Read “Mining for… Cell Phones?” on page 391 At what point do the costs of mining outweigh the benefits?

Mining Impacts and Regulation Explicit Instruction Negative impacts of mining Increased erosion occurs when land is cleared and soil is loosened due to mining. Sediment and debris from mining may clog waterways damaging aquatic ecosystems and surrounding organisms that rely on them. Acid drainage occurs as acid and metals leach into groundwater (pictured). Tiny particles may be released into the atmosphere polluting the air. Undersea mining may destroy unexplored habitats and cause leaching of metals into the water at toxic levels. Communities built over old subsurface mining sites may experience sinkholes. Shock from blasting may damage the foundations of local buildings and wells.

Mining Impacts and Regulation Explicit Instruction Mining Regulations General Mining Law (1872) – created rules to mange mining, but also promoted mining. Mineral Leasing Act (1920) – governs the leasing of public lands for mining of fossil fuels and other high value minerals. Surface Mining Control & Reclamation Act (1977) – requires companies to post bonds to cover restoration costs before mining plans are approved. Responsible mineral use Current efforts center on reducing use, reusing or recycling materials As of 2005 it was estimated 500 million unused cell phones in the US totaling over $600 million in resources.

Mining Impacts and Regulation Guided Practice Read about the “General Mining Law of 1872” and “Amending the General Mining Law” on pages 408 & 409. Suppose you are a legislator in the US Congress. Would you join an effort to amend the General Mining Law of 1872? Why or why not? If you would join, what would you want to include in the bill?

Mining Impacts and Regulation Independent Practice Describe two ways that mines can continue to cause damage to communities even after mining is complete. Compare and contrast the goals of the General Mining Law of 1872 and the proposed Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009. Although both minerals and fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources, how is mineral use more sustainable than fossil fuel use? Mining has severe environmental effects, but mining reclamation is costly and difficult. How much reclamation do you think mining companies should be required to do? Consider that mining is a business that operates on profits.