Mining exploits both people and natural resources. This comment doesn't have to do specifically with water, but as a field interviewer I've spent a lot of time in Miami and Globe. The mines give people work and take it away when the price of copper goes down, creating an unsettled economic environment. Poverty is widespread. Healthcare is crappy. And you wouldn't believe how big these mines are and how much land they've ruined. The rich get richer while the workers live in decrepit mobile homes on dirt roads and have to drive to "nearby" cities to find work in the off times. These people live hard lives. Thanks.
And yet - and yet - very little concern about the OVER-USE of water in these industries.
Until there is an issue with people's possibly having to consume or use less.
Obviously, at this current time, there will be absolutely NO governmental policy or even mention of the fact that water will be, if not already, pretty much the most needed resource and, probably the most expensive soon. It's getting scary.
It has been clear for many decades that the mining industry needs to be tightly regulated because of the multiplicity of negative environmental impacts associated with mining activities. It looks like water consumption by mining should be added to the list! Thanks for your excellent reporting on this issue.
Mining exploits both people and natural resources. This comment doesn't have to do specifically with water, but as a field interviewer I've spent a lot of time in Miami and Globe. The mines give people work and take it away when the price of copper goes down, creating an unsettled economic environment. Poverty is widespread. Healthcare is crappy. And you wouldn't believe how big these mines are and how much land they've ruined. The rich get richer while the workers live in decrepit mobile homes on dirt roads and have to drive to "nearby" cities to find work in the off times. These people live hard lives. Thanks.
…..and then pile data centers on top of this. Everything and everybody loses
And yet - and yet - very little concern about the OVER-USE of water in these industries.
Until there is an issue with people's possibly having to consume or use less.
Obviously, at this current time, there will be absolutely NO governmental policy or even mention of the fact that water will be, if not already, pretty much the most needed resource and, probably the most expensive soon. It's getting scary.
It has been clear for many decades that the mining industry needs to be tightly regulated because of the multiplicity of negative environmental impacts associated with mining activities. It looks like water consumption by mining should be added to the list! Thanks for your excellent reporting on this issue.