1. Mining

2. What is it?
Looking for ores (minerals with economic value) and metals.

3. Types of Mining Surface Mining:
Open pit mining: makes a large pit in the ground
Mountain top mining: removes entire
Placer mining: looking for sediments in water (GOLD RUSH)
Subsurface Mining: dig a tunnel with lots of shafts (what you think about when you think of coal mining.

4. The Effects of Mining Surface Mining Subsurface Mining
Significant dust from earth-moving equipment
Contamination of water
Most of soil is removed from site
Habitat alteration and destruction over the surface areas that are mined.
Minimum effects on human health and life
Minimal dust at site
Water contamination
No effect on soil
Road construction affects habitats
Possible death and respiratory problems in human workers

5. So what is being done to?
Mining Law of 1872: allow mining to encourage development of western states.
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act: regulates surface mining and subsurface mining. Mandates land to be minimally disturbed and RECLAIMED after mining is complete. DOES NOT REGULATE all the mining practices that affect air water and land.
Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Superfund Act.

7. Lab on Thursday
Begin Reading the Lab and set up your group’s game plan