Digging GoldTimothy Kirschbaum

Eman SarsourRajiv MahayDoug WaaraTyler Blied

Background• Gold extracted using

“Cyanide Heap Leaching”

• Enables extraction of gold from low-grade ores

• Problems with Cyanide

Clicker Question

• Do you think in gold mining process , the benefit exceeds the environmental damage ?

1. Yes2. No3. Maybe

Problems

• Most Environmentally Destructive Industries• Cyanide Heap-Leaching (Most common

technique) • Cyanide is one of the most potent poisons • Storing Cyanide in Reservoirs• Discharging of mining waste directly into

waterways

http://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/42000/42763/superpit_ali_2010045.jpg

Other ProblemsPOLLUTION

SMELTERING PROCESS

ACID MAIN DRAINAGE

POLLUTION•Consumptions of fuel

•Contribution to global warming

Smelters Produces•(ACID RAIN) •Nitrogen•Sulfur•(TOXIC METELS)•Lead•Arsenic•Cadmium

ACID MINE DRAINAGEWhile the acid drains from the mine debris, it gradually picks up other metals , such as arsenic, mercury, and lead. Which results a toxic brew that can drain right into the waterways and groundwater.

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Clicker Question

• Do you think the United States should put more regulations and restrictions on gold mining ?

1. Yes 2. No3. I don’t care

Changes in Laws

•Montana citizens voted to ban the use of cyanide heap-leach mining in the state.

• This was after a mine in Montana one of the largest in the U.S went out of business costing taxpayers 33 million.

What is Being Done• In 2005 Congress

called for new laws to require mining companies to post adequate bonds. Which is sort of like insurance, incase they go bankrupt.

Clicker Question

• Can we use technology to make gold mining profitable and safe ?

1. Yes2. No3. Maybe

Efforts for Future Prevention

Government Efforts• General Accounting Office• Stricter Environmental Laws (Mostly EU)• Heap-Leaching Banning

Ex) Montana, Wisconsin

Efforts for Future Prevention

Earthworks• “No Dirty Gold” • Jewelry Retailers

Ex) Tiffany & Co., Cartier• Madison Dialogue