Economics and Mining: Problems

Mining is one of the most lucrative environmental industries because most modern technologies depend on mineral resources in order to function. Unfortunately, mining is also one of the most unsustainable industries; the effects of mining are toxic to the environment and there is a limited amount of mineral sources. Due to the scarcity of minerals and the rising demand, prices have risen dramatically and more businesses are overexploiting their mineral sources. As more mineral resources are depleted, the demand and the prices rise even higher.

            As the demand for minerals rises, businesses and governments are willing to do more to increase mining practices. One of the most effective methods for mining coal is mountain top removal mining, which involves blasting the tops off of mountains and scraping the coal from underneath. However, this method increases the debris in valleys and pollutes the air and water in the surrounding ecosystems. Mountaintop removal has destroyed nearly 2,000 miles of streams in Appalachia, which reduces the amount of freshwater available by limiting the resource and polluting what little water still exists. So, while mining may be economically beneficial, its growth is rapidly ending as the resource is over-exploited and depleted.

Ecosystem Restoration - An Ecosystem Restoration Page published by Montana State University about the environmental impacts of mining