23 January 2012
Upper Student Response Worksheet
Lower Student Response Worksheet
Through last week’s Cast Your Vote students decided that we should highlight mining near the Boundary Waters. Mining inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is not allowed. However, several mining companies would like to build mines very close to the wilderness. This type of mining is called sulfide mining, or strategic metals mining. One of the proposed mines, called Twin Metals, would be about 3 miles from the wilderness border. It is in the Boundary Waters watershed. This means that lakes and rivers near the mine flow into the wilderness. Polymet, which is another proposed mine, is in the Lake Superior watershed. This means that pollution from the mine could flow into Lake Superior and the Great Lakes.
This is a picture of a sulfide mine. Photo by NASA
Some people are excited about the jobs and money that the mines could bring to the towns near the wilderness. Some of this money could be used to improve schools and other things in the town. Other people are worried that the mines will pollute the water, cost a lot of money to clean up, and close after about 20 years.
Amy and I are worried that the mines could pollute the water near the mines for thousands of years. No one knows exactly how long the mines will operate, but the Polymet Mine would be open for about 20 years. However, when scientists studied the proposed mine they said that it could cause pollution for 2,000 years. Is it worth creating a bunch of jobs that last for 20 years if the mine causes pollution for 2,000 years after the mine closes?
Polymet has developed new ways of mining that they say reduce the risk of pollution. However, many sulfide mines have produced a lot of water pollution. Many have cost millions of dollars to clean up. One study found that 76% of the mines that were predicted to not pollute ended up causing pollution. The proposed mines are in the middle of 5 million acres of lakes, rivers, and forests in Minnesota and Ontario. These lakes and rivers contain some of the cleanest water in the world.
A class emailed last week to ask what they could do to help protect the wilderness. The copper and other metals that are produced in mines like these are used in many of the things we all use on a daily basis: computers, TVs, Xbox, batteries, and lots of other things. One of the best things we can do for the environment is to try and reduce the amount of “stuff” that we buy and consume. Plus, we can recycle and reuse things as much as possible. Can you think of things that you can do at school or at home that could help?
Amy and I feel that these sulfide mines are not a good idea because of the pollution that they could cause. We hope that you will do some more research and make your own decision.
Keep Exploring!
Dave
Food for thought:
Here are a few links to additional information about sulfide mining.
http://www.friends-bwca.org/issues/sulfide-mining/
http://www.polymetmining.com/business-econ-benefit.php
Research sulfide mining and the mines that are being proposed in Northern Minnesota. Break up into groups. Have one group that supports the mines, a second group that argues that the mines should not be built, and a third group that moderates the debate.
Are there any mines near where you live? Research mining in your area and learn about the benefits and environmental issues that effect mining in your area.
What watershed do you live in? Use a map to it out.
Watershed map by USGS
Do you recycle at home and at school? Research what recycling is available in your area.
Use the links below to make a list of things you use everyday that are made from copper. Brainstorm how you could make these things last longer, or ways you could reuse or recycle them.
http://rocks4u.com/min_uses.
http://geology.com/usgs/uses-
Fennel's Field Notes
I watched Dave and Amy load their car a few days ago. I was happy about this, because it usually means that we are going on a trip. They put their bags in the back and climbed in. They told me to follow as they drove down the driveway. They stopped at the Wintergreen dog yard and walked with me to the retirement pen.
I tried to protest. I wanted to go on the trip with them. Riding in the car is fun! They didn't pay attention and they left me with Lufa and Patches in the retirement pen. Lufa can be kind of bossy, but I get along with those two for the most part.
As the days passed, I missed Dave and Amy. The other Wintergreen guides were nice to me. I got to run along on a few trips. Kate even let me take someone skijoring. That is a little confusing. I don't like to pull just one person by myself. I like to pull a sled with other dogs.
Chris told me that Dave and Amy are coming back soon. I can't wait!
Please wait...
