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Problems in the Mining Industry

Problems in the Mining Industry. Environmental Impact. Air and Water Pollution Emissions from the mining, smelting and transportation of minerals results in tons of toxic waste entering the air and water systems Acid Precipitation

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Problems in the Mining Industry

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  1. Problems in the Mining Industry

  2. Environmental Impact • Air and Water Pollution • Emissions from the mining, smelting and transportation of minerals results in tons of toxic waste entering the air and water systems • Acid Precipitation • The toxic gasses in the air return to Earth encased in raindrops, snowflakes, etc. • This toxic precipitation causes further water and land pollution, and erodes buildings • Six of the top 10 biggest polluters in North America are Canadian smelters (Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba)

  3. Abandoned Mines • When the ore body is exhausted, or the mineral quality no longer is profitable, the mine is shut down • The pit or shaft is simply abandoned to the elements – they look terrible and are incredibly dangerous • Now regulations require that mining operations provide a mitigating effect when they close a mine

  4. Exporting Jobs • Over 50% of the minerals mined in Canada are exported as ore to other countries • That means that the smelting jobs go to those countries • It also means that the other country buys our ore cheaply, adds a bit of processing (smelting and refining) and ends up with a product of far greater value, adding to their GDP rather than Canada’s

  5. External Influences • Downturns in other economies can result in a downturn in Canadian mining as they can not afford to buy the ore • Developing nations are discovering their own reserves, so do not need to buy from Canada • Much of our mining industry is foreign-owned, so economic difficulties in those countries negatively affect their ability to invest, expand or even maintain Canadian operations

  6. Social Concerns • Towns are often completely dependent on the mine for their livelihood • If the mine is in financial trouble, the income of the townspeople is affected, so the overall economy is affected • If the mine closes up, an entire community is destroyed as they will have to leave (often losing great amounts of money on their homes and businesses)

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