ALEXANDRIA, VA—Decisions about the development and use of Earth's metallic resources affect the economic, social, and environmental fabric of societies worldwide.  Metal Mining and the Environment, a new release in the American Geological Institute's (AGI)  Environmental Awareness series, discusses both the environmental aspects of mining metals and the scientific and technological advances that modern miners use to prevent or reduce potential environmental impacts. The demands for metals and for environmental protection continue to increase, and balanced approaches for mineral supply and environmental protection are complex. The striking photos and illustrations in this colorful 64-page booklet document how metallic resources are connected to our daily lives and the future of society. Each copy of the booklet contains a dramatic poster that relates metals as they occur in the Earth to the ways people use them; the reverse side of the poster contains an ore deposit exploration activity for middle- and high-school students.

The authors, Travis L. Hudson, Frederick D. Fox, and Geoffrey S. Plumlee, have a broad range of expertise in the environmental aspects of metal mining. Hudson, a geologist, has identified and evaluated new remediation technology for mining-related sites. Fox is the Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment for Kennecott Minerals Company.  Plumlee, an economic geologist and environmental geochemist with the U.S. Geological Survey, heads a research team that provides impartial scientific analysis of the environmental impacts of mining. From the Preface, "Society's requirement for metals establishes a strong link between our standard of living, the Earth, and science. Understanding the highly technical process of metal mining can help prepare citizens for the necessary discussions and decisions concerning society's increasing need for metals and the related environmental tradeoffs."

AGI produced Metal Mining and the Environment in cooperation with the Society of Economic Geologists, the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., and the U.S. Geological Survey. The list price for Metal Mining and the Environment is $15.95. Members of AGI member societies may purchase the book from AGI for $9.95 plus shipping and handling. AGI publications may be ordered from the online Book Center, http://www.agiweb.org, AGI headquarters by e-mail, ds@agiweb.org, or by phone, (703) 379-2480, ext. 214. For information on bulk-order discounts, contact Scott Rall at AGI headquarters by e-mail, sgr@inet2.agiweb.org or by phone, (703) 379-2480, ext. 216.

Metal Mining and the Environment was prepared under the sponsorship of AGI's Environmental Geoscience Advisory Committee with support from the AGI Foundation. The objective of the Environmental Awareness series is to promote better understanding of the role of the Earth sciences in all aspects of environmental concerns and issues.

Since its appointment in 1993, AGI's Environmental Geoscience Advisory Committee, co-chaired by Dr. Philip E. LaMoreaux and Dr. Stephen H. Stow, has assisted the Institute by identifying projects and activities that will help AGI achieve the following goals:
 

• Increase public awareness and understanding of environmental issues and the controls of Earth systems on the environment;

• Communicate societal needs for managing resources, protection from Earth hazards, and evaluation of risks associated with human activities related to Earth processes and resources;

• Promote appropriate science in public policy through improved communication within and beyond the geoscience community related to environmental policy issues and proposed legislation;

• Increase dissemination of information related to environmental programs, projects, research, and professional activities in the geoscience community.

For additional information on AGI's environmental geoscience program, contact Travis L. Hudson, AGI Director of Environmental Affairs, by e-mail, ageology@olypen.com, or by phone, (360) 681-5107.
 

The American Geological Institute is a not-for-profit federation of 35 professional organizations in the Earth sciences representing more than 100,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other Earth and environmental scientists.