EIACP (PC-RP) on Environmental Problems of Mining

Date: June 26, 2013:

Is Deep Sea Mining A Good Idea?

Deep sea mining is coming, even as the debate over its economic, political, and environmental consequences rages on. 911metallurgist (a mining consultancy) and graphic design firm Neomam Studios recently put together a graphic explaining both sides of the issue. Deep sea mining is a particularly difficult environmental issue because the consequences are so nebulous. When a timber company cuts down a forest, the repercussions are relatively clear: less habitat for other dependent species, less oxygen production, less carbon uptake, etc. But forests are well-studied, seeing as they’re conveniently positioned on the Earth’s surface; deep sea habitats are ecological black holes, and it’s unclear exactly what we would be sacrificing by changing the system. Is it worth it to compromise an unseen environment we’re not familiar with, or should we stick with the Devil we know? After all, modern civilization demands resources from somewhere…

So take a look and see what you think – is deep sea mining worth the risk?

(Source: http://www.wired.com/)