Mining

Part A

Shaft mining refers = the method of excavating a vertical/near-vertical tunnel from the top down, where there is initially no access to bottom.

Pro: • allows a mine operation to be 'hidden' having only head frames protrude above the surface, enabling land above zone of mining to be reclaimed for other uses after mining has ceased
       • can mine as deep as the development permits excavation to take place
       • it is not dependent on stripping ratios
       • does not affect physical environment as much
Cons: • safety issue is a big problem
          • underground mines produce significant amount of methane
          • expensive
          • collapses
          • flooding
          • mine explosions
          • miner can die due to lack of oxygen

Open pit mining =  is a surface mining technique of extracting rock or minerals from the earth by their removal from an open pit or borrow

Pro: • increase in efficiency over deep-shaft mining techniques
        • no space restrictions from narrow tunnels and shafts affect the rate at which ore can be extracted
        • sampling each level in an open pit before mining deeper allows surveyors to analyze potential yield and avoid safety hazards
        •  uses larger extraction vehicles, increasing amount of harvest per day
        •  reduced cost
        • safer than shaft mining
Cons: • loss of ecosystem
          • can take decades to recover
          • landslides and rockslides can occur without warning
          • acid mine drainage = serious environmental concern
          • release of dangerous metalloids in groundwater/local streams; polluted water can kill life along water source 

Part B

Spouse of a miner:
Of course I would want my spouse to work in an open pit. It's said to be much safer and at the end of the day that is what's important. I've heard that they end up acquiring more per day which would be beneficial to both the company and the employees, thus meaning it would be better for our family. It doesn't require ventilation and the worse that can happen is a landslide. I would rather have my spouse take those chances than a space collapsing in on itself. 

Owner of a mining company:
I would choose open pit mining. It's cheaper and more efficient. Using this method will sustain my company.  I would be able to harvest more ore or minerals or what have you. Shaft mining would sometimes require digging deeper to find what we're looking for.   Not only that, but it would be better for my employees as it would be safer as well. 

Environmentalist: 

Open pit mining has environmental hazards. Hardrock mining exposes rock that has lain unexposed for geological eras. When crushed, these rocks expose radioactive elements, asbestos-like minerals, and metallic dust. Aside from this contamination of surface and ground waters often generates problems with this method. 

Owner of a nearby ski resort:

I would think underground mining would be better as open pit mining has more leniency space wise. That would not be good for my business and it having a gigantic dug out hole near my ski resort can be an eyesore as well as dangerous to my guests. If any guests want to try skiing in this open pit as well especially if it became abandoned then we would be legally liable for any injuries or harm that may occur.  If it were abandoned then there would just be a gaping hole there.

Part C

Mining is prominent in the USA and has been active since colonial times.
Mining in Alaska has been predominantly for metals such as gold, silver, and zinc. Mined metal is a valuable export and source of cash income for workers, and mining jobs pay above the state average. Major mines are mostly owned by out-of-state corporations, leading most of their profits to be exported. Minerals are one of Alaska’s most important exports.  The total value of metal production and exploration in Alaska was just over $3.4 billion in 2012, representing around 7% of the gross state product, and producing several thousand jobs.  Mining pays a 2% state tax on its revenue.  

Prospectors are actively pursuing new mineral resources in Alaska.