new blog to check out

http://rust-belt.org/blog/

"We hope that our research will be useful to other designers and help to create a more transparent jewelry manufacturing industry. We will continue to update."

photographs by David Maisel

"Managing Environmental Effects of Metal Mining: Interview with Mark Logsdon" Mining Law and Land use, Materials- March 31, 2008

From the website RUST BELT there was an interview with ther president of Geochimica on metal mine issues. I found there were many interesting facts about metal mining and some really cool images. Here are some of the facts:

- gold and silver mines only have a 10-15 year life span (bigger open mines have more of a 20-25 year life span)

- after a mine is no longer useful there is a closure plan: 1.plow any slopes so it is safe and stable 2.some kind of water quality management 3.settle up with employees and town

- there are usually funds left for clean up and maintanence but usually no one to do the job or anyone to regulate the process

- mine closures can cost millions- billions of dollars

-few tailing ponds are lined