Mining and Environmental destruction.

Alternet published an article yesterday which looks at the effect the Bush administration had on mining practices when ‘fill material’ was redefined in the Clean Water Act. This change allows for mining companies to continue destroy mountains and nearby water systems in the pursuit of profit. Now, US rep. John Yarmuth, US rep. Frank Pallons and Republican US rep. Dave Reichert have joined together in a bid to re-introduce the Clean Water Protection Act.

The timing couldn’t be more urgent: On the heels of a 4th US Circuit Court decision that overturned greater environmental review of mountaintop removal actions by coal companies, scores of mining permits are flooding through the gates of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this month

The Clean Water Act ensures the safety of water local to the area in which mining takes place. It is important for those living and working in the area, as well as for the environment, so that it can maintain natural ecosystems.

The mining industry brings  a lot of money into the countries of the first world. The Bush Administration probably saw great financial gain in distorting the Clean Water Act. And as for the environmental effect… Well, it’s in a different country anyway… 

This isn’t the first time the mining industries environmental practices have been called in to question.

Below is a youtube video about a discarded uranium mine which is now contaminating the environment. It helps create a framework for understanding the impact that ignorant mining practices have had in the past. It’s a trip into history but reflects the profit mindset mining companies began with.

I’ve heard of mines in Papua New Guinea which dump excess copper waste into the river systems destroying everything further downstream… Take a look at this document which demands change to mining practices in PNG, it is signed by the landowners of mining sites in 2003.

For interest, here’s another article that helps to shed light on the less-than-acceptable standards the mining industry holds. 

BHP BILLITON is expected to meet its iron ore contractors this week to discuss safety issues after five deaths in eight months at its West Australian iron ore operations.

BHP has been singled out by the West Australian Government for the second time in five years over its safety record in the Pilbara, which compares poorly with that of its rival, Rio Tinto.

After the latest fatality last week the West Australian Mines Minister, Norman Moore, called BHP’s iron ore boss, Ian Ashby, into his office on Friday.

Published by SMH, the article focuses on workplace safety rather than environmental impact, but it’s interesting to have a look at. It took out third page in ‘Business Day’ today…

The media coverage of the mining industry includes revealing unwholesome standards, but I get the feeling that it’s not as deep and revealing as it could be…

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