The Good, Bad, & Ugly of Mining Metals

Mining for metals is an essential part of the growth of the economy but also a trivial part of the environment. But recycling metals to help reduce the necessity of mining for raw materials is important and can also have an environmental impact. However, when new mines are being built and current ones are producing more, it is a good sign for everyone. The tricky part is that there is a good, bad, and ugly side about mining for raw materials.

The Good

Metal mining may not be a luxurious industry but it has a very valuable purpose. When the need for mining for raw metals increases, it is a great sign for many people. If there is a demand for mining, that means that there might Lead to an increase in work. The need for metal for different industries like construction and production. In turn that can be interpreted as increasing jobs and work for the economy. With new mines being built it also produces new jobs at the mine while contributing to a stronger economy.

The Bad

On the other side of the coin, there are some negative outcomes from the increase of metal mines and production of raw materials. If the mines are being used more often that could also can be due to the possibility of a reduction of metal recycling. The more we recycle scrap metal, the less we have to rely on mines for raw materials. Also if there are more mines being used or created, it also adds to the problem for the environment of using more energy and resources. There is an increase in pollution when mining for metal ore. The amount of coal that is needed for production increase which also adds to an environmental problem.
 

The UglyMining for metals can be good for the economy and bad for the environment, but there is an unfortunate dark side for the safety of those working there. Mines are very dangerous places and always have been. There are common accidents that occur in mines that can result in serious injury or even death. Just in the first quarter of 2014 alone, there have been 8 miners killed in the US alone. There are many risks involved when building and operating a mine. These risks add to the unfortunate ugly side of mining.

 

While metal mining can be a good sign of a growing economy, it can hurt the environment too. Continuing to recycle your scrap metal with your local scrap yard is important to keep reusing materials when to prevent unnecessary mining. Be conscious of your metals and find a scrap yard on the iScrap App.

UPDATE:

A large scale mining accident occurred in Turkey in Mid-May 2014. With over 240 people killed these accidents are usually very significant when they occur.

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