Mindless Mining
Have we become too greedy?
The issue:
Process:
Process simplified:
- Need a mine? Simple, blow a gigantic hole at your nearest mountain. Forget about the dubris.
- Need a mine? Don't have explosives? Dig a deep hole in the ground. Forget about pollution that the mining equipment may put out.
- Complaints from environmentalist activists? Convince the public that the gold, silver, and iron that you are mining for is way more important than protecting the wildlife and valuable resources.
Real People. Real Problems.
Britannia Mine, British Columbia.
Before.
- Before the mine was built Howe Sound and local waterways were flourishing with life and resources.
After.
- Britannia Mine became one of the largest metal pollution sources in North America.
- The main source of the problem was the naturally occurring metal sulphide ores which were exposed to the air and rain.
- This resulted in chemical and biochemical reactions that produced a concentrated acidic, metal-contaminated water, called acid rock drainage.
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/clad/britannia/background.html
Solution.
- Until December 31, 2001, AMD discharged primarily from two tunnels at Britannia Mine:
- 1) At the 2200 level portal which discharged into Jane Creek and subsequently into Britannia Creek
- 2) At the 4100 level portal which discharged to Howe Sound via a deep outfall.
- On December 31, 2001, UBC completed construction of a concrete plug in the 2200 level tunnel. The 2200 level plug prevents direct discharge of the AMD to Jane and Britannia Creeks, and effectively redirected the AMD to the 4100 level portal.
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/clad/britannia/background.html
"Mining Everywhere Man"