Open Pit Mining
This method is used when the resource deposit is close enough to the surface for mass removal and to be economically viable
Open Pit Mining Impacts
Monga Bay, Australia
Destruction of vegetation
Large volume of unused waste rock
Disruption of Groundwater
Production of dust and radon gas from explosions
Underground Mining Impacts Destruction of Vegetation Influence on Water Table Abundance of dust and noise
• Radon Gas produced
in confined spaces is
more dangerous
Also:
Issues Facing the Mining Industry Negative Impact on the Environment Abandoned Mines Loss of Jobs Echo Effect Exhausting the Supply Staying Competitive Boom-Bust Towns
The northern Boreal Forest is dominated by only two species of trees - Black Spruce and White Spruce
Boreal Forest
Pulp and Paper Products
Quebec
$11575 million
Ontario
$10018 million
British Columbia
$7514 million
Other Provinces
$7286 million
Value of Forest Industry
British Columbia
$11 234 million
Quebec
$5306 million
Ontario
$3454 million
Alberta $1731 million
New Brunswick $751 million
Other Provinces $780 million
Value of Forest IndustryWood Products
Loggers remove every tree and leave a barren landscape.
When replanted, the new forest grows uniformly in
species and size
Methods of Harvesting ForestsClear Cutting
Involves clear-cutting only part of an old growth forest
Small groups of seed bearing trees are left so the area will
regenerate.
Shelterwood method is often used in forests that have grown and aged evenly
Shelterwood Cutting
Methods of Harvesting Forests
Another shot of the same stand in an area that has been finished--except for picking up a few logs. The stand is about 65 years old.
Only mature trees of the desired size, type or quality
Selective Cutting
Methods of Harvesting Forests