Issues Facing the mining industry Pollution from tailings ponds Once minerals are mined, they are taken to a smelting factory in order to be separated into its purest form. Due to the fact that not all of the material mined is useful, much of it needs to be disposed of. This waste is called tailings and are composed of water, chemicals and rock particles. Tailings are poisonous and are dumped into tailings ponds that prevent the dangerous chemicals from seeping into lakes and rivers. Unfortunately, many animals cannot tell the difference between tailings ponds and regular ponds and will often land in them. This is extremely detrimental to an animals health.

Issues Facing the mining industry Negative Impact on the Environment The smelting and refining process in the mining industry is responsible for harmful emissions that find their way into the air and nearby lakes and rivers and can also cause acid rain. There have been several restrictions placed on these factories in an attempt to cut emissions. Unfortunately, these restrictions tend to decrease the production of the plant. Companies need to be as environmentally friendly as possible while still being competitive in a world market. Six of the biggest ten polluters in North America are smelters and refineries in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba. The largest producer of sulfur dioxide is in Sudbury Ont.

Issues Facing the mining industry Abandoned Mines What happens to the land once a mine is closed? Even after mines are closed they can still continue to pollute the area nearby. Governments now require mining companies to plan what will be done with the mine after it is closed. Many mines are filled with gravel or water and are used for recreation.

Issues Facing the mining industry Mining Towns Mining towns are completely dependent on the mines for their existence. Once a mine closes, the town will have a very difficult time surviving unless they find another economic opportunity. This can be very disruptive to peoples lives. Mineral Deposits in Other Countries Developing countries do not have nearly as many environmental restrictions as Canada. For this reason they can sell their minerals for cheaper and threaten the Canadian market.

Writing From someone Else’s Perspective Choose one of the perspectives you have just written about. You must write from that persons perspective. You may choose to write in one of the following forms: Letter Diary Speech Proposal Make sure that you are using the information we have already learned in your response.

Open your own Manufacturing plant Use the 5 factors that influence the location of industry in order to make an educated decision on where you are going to open your new manufacturing plant. Your new plant must be dedicated to the production of one of the following products: Wooden Canoe Paddle Leather Purse Gold Necklace Kleenex