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Sunshine Mine Environmental Effects

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Sunshine Mine Is located in the Silver Valley East of Kellogg in Idaho. In 1972, a fire broke out in the mine killing 91 of the 173 miners working that day. ‘The Sunshine has produced millions of tons of lead, zinc, and copper; and over 360 million ounces of silver (Carpenter, n.d.)’. Throughout this report an investigation will be conducted surrounding the metals that were abundant in the mine, the disaster that had occurred at the Sunshine Mine as well as laws and procedures which were altered or approved after the incident.
Lead is commonly used in radiation protection as it absorbs gamma radiation, therefore, protecting the wearer (Britannica, n.d.). Lead is very resistant to corrosion which is why other uses include weights for diving …show more content…

Copper and zinc mines are both producers of toxic waste products such as Sulphur Dioxide which can lead to the creation of acid rain. 3 tons of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) is also created in the production of just 1 ton of zinc and such heavy metals seep into underwater tables affecting water quality (GreenSpec, 2018). Miners were also observed to have an increased risk of developing cancer and heart disease when working in mines harvesting copper (Dudgen, 2009). Impacts relating to economic, social and political growth were concluded to be positives in relation to these particular metals with more employment opportunities, having an economic benefit to the city which would also be a driving force for political gain due to greater country …show more content…

history (Silver, 2012).’ The Bureau of Mines report that the 91 men lost their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning (Brake, et al., 1972). It was also observed at the time large quantities of timber were used for ground support as well as scrap timber which was piled in abandoned drifts which acted as fuel for the fire. This was a breach of the Advisory Standard 57.4-12. Another factor as stated by ‘Bob Launhardt, who was in charge of mine safety at the time…. Is certain insulating foam spayed… was flammable and created the extremely toxic smoke (Anon., 2005).’ The Bureau of Mines believe factors that contributed to the severity of the disaster include a delay in mine evacuation, failure to monitor the mines atmosphere, failure to train underground employees in use of self-rescuers as well as failure to designate anyone as being in charge of the entire operation in the absence of top mine officials just to name a few (Brake, et al.,

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