Mining Issues Today

Mining continues to be a contentious issue worldwide, and issues faced in historic Peru and West Virginia are often thrown back in the spotlight. Today, Peru is a worldwide leader in the production of copper, zinc, and silver. West Virginia is the 2nd highest coal producing state in the United States.

However, anti-mining protests in both regions have led to conflict surrounding environmental and health concerns, as well as governmental corruption related to mine company contracts.

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Right: Miners at work on the flank of the "Cerro Rico" Mountain in Potosi, Bolivia. Photograph by Christophe Meneboeuf. WikiCommons.