LeCain talk about solving mining problems and catastrophes using the three methods; Transformation, relocation and delaying. LeCain talks about the issues that are currently at hand can be solves through these methods. However, they will cause new problems later in time. Especially the delaying method. If mining companies try to fix there by delaying it, it usually results in a bigger problem. My favorite example is Butte Montana, or the Berkeley pit. They used the delaying method and stopped mining in the pit, but over time the pit began to fill and that water which is filled with toxic waste and heavy metals has gone into Buttes water. So if you’re living in Butte, your living on toxic ground. It is also similar to the Duck town Tennessee as a fix that was attempted but then went to more problems. In that situation they went from lack of vegetation to erosion problems.
I think that copper and other heavy metals is an essential part of today technology. Copper especially because it is used so heavily in the electronics department. I think that the extraction and the “fixes” when we try to mine out these materials could be done in a better and safer way. I think part of the reason is the lack of development of environment and safe mining back in the day. And also untested theories put into play on a large scale. Not only that, but putting in chemicals into the ground to extract minerals easier which can be proven, but what about 30 years from now when those chemicals turn toxic and then we have another Superfund like Butte in our hands. At the end of the day, The more we focus on research and development of mines and not so much how to fix the problems that are currently at hand, the better off we will be.
Hi Cody,
First off, I just wanted to say I enjoyed your title, as blunt as it may be, it is very relevant to the readings of this week. I think you also have a very strong understanding of the LeCain writing, and it shows in how you are able to connect his work to Butte and the problems with the Berkeley pit. With this being said, however, I have some questions about the second paragraph of your post. If we need to continue to mine for copper, but in better and safer ways, are there specific ways you had in mind? Also, who should be in charge of the research and development of safer/cleaner mines, the government or the mining companies themselves? Other than those questions, overall, I really agree with what you had to say about mining and some of its many downfalls.