Mining the Earth
It is true that human beings require a number of minerals to meet some of their needs, basic or not. But it is also true that excessive consumption of some humans are destroying their livelihoods and the environment on the other side of humanity, who live in areas affected by mining.
Because of its impacts, mining is one activity that should be tightly controlled at all stages, from exploration and exploitation for the transportation, processing and consumption. In many cases, the only means strict control restrictions.
To claim that the mining company itself controlled is more than naive: it makes sense. Even the control of the government are not sufficient, considering the economic and political power that has proven mining company on them. It should empower all citizens to participate directly in this control.
But above all, the people who live in mineral-rich regions must be able to make a fully informed decision in deciding whether to allow mining activities in their territories. And if accepted, should have the power to decide how to carry out these activities, so as to ensure environmental conservation and social justice.
Despite claims about “sustainability”, mining is a serious problem and thus should be handled.
Currently, more than 60% of the materials mined in the world using surface mining methods, which cause damage to ecosystems that are installed (deforestation, water pollution and disturbance, habitat destruction). In this type can be distinguished mining, including open pit (usually rock hard metal), excavation (for construction and industrial materials such as sand, granite, slate, marble, gravel, clay, etc) laundering. and mining (application of chemicals to filter and separate the metals from the residual minerals).
Despite the promise of wealth that mining development is actually the existence of mineral wealth may even delay the development of national and local levels. According to a 1999 study Arborvitae (IUCN, WWF) Southern countries’ rich in mineral resources tend to have levels of economic growth, social welfare level is lower and more unequal income distribution in developing countries does not depend on the mineral fact, the base source The best mineral economy has more of a curse than a blessing .. “
Thus, promotion of large-scale mining is embedded in the policies, institutions and attitudes that are looking at “development” as a top-down initiative to impose on local communities and the environment – the very antithesis of eco-friendly approach focuses on meeting the economic rights, social and cultural community and future generations .
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Need more world wide data on
1) total physical areas of surface mining
2) total percentage of toxins particularly meavy metals compared to other sources
3) total human labor exploited compared to other employment types
4) total health problems and death per 1k compared to other emplyment
Have chance to expose information via international living city competition
Much thanks