Gold mining adversely impacts the environment and human health. Plants and trees are destroyed by gold mining equipment, and animals lose vital habitats. Many gold mining operations use toxic chemicals to extract gold from the ground. Sometimes, these chemicals seep into nearby water systems. Erosion and sediment-clogged streams have ruined thousands of miles of waterways, while chemical spills and acid run-off pollute the water. Environmental scientists estimate that the production of one gold ring generates approximately twenty tons of mine waste. Gold mine workers are constantly exposed to dangerous work conditions; they are also exposed to the risk of developing serious health ailments. Gold mines are unpredictable, unstable, and dangerous environments. Immediate action needs to be taken to end destructive gold mining practices.
Your mission is to create a public service announcement (PSA) that raises awareness of the need to end destructive gold mining practices.
View the VIMEO video listed below:
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What are the actions that can be taken to reduce, and ideally prevent, destructive gold mining practices?
Research the career roles listed below that are related to the Mission Deliverable and the Guiding Question. Your goal is to learn about the primary responsibilities of these related career roles. Be prepared to discuss how people in the related career roles listed below would accomplish the Mission Deliverable:
Mining Engineer
Environmental Scientist
Petrologist
Student Checklist:
Internet Resources
While every attempt is made to provide student-friendly educational websites, Accelerate Learning is not responsible for the content in third-party websites.
How Stuff Works Videos: “Discovery Atlas: Gold Mines”
How Stuff Works Videos: “Into The Unknown: Shafted”
G4TV Videos: “Toughest Mining Jobs: South African Gold”
The Environmental Literary Council: “Gold Mining”
Environmental Impact Of Mining In The Rainforest
Oakland Museum Of California: “Gold Rush!”
Giant Gold Machines – Hydraulic Mining
Vimeo Videos: “Virginia City Gold Mining”
Studies Suggest Mining in Africa is Spreading TB
Prehistoric' Frogs May Face Extinction If Conservation Area Is Opened to Mining