Elizabeth Emma Ferry traces the movement of minerals as they circulate from Mexican mines to markets, museums, and private collections on both sides of the US-Mexico border. She describes how and why these byproducts of ore mining come to be valued by people in various walks of life as scientific specimens, religious offerings, works of art, and luxury collectibles. The story of mineral exploration and trade defines a variegated transnational space, shedding new light on the complex relationship between these two countries and on the process of making value itself.

People in Africa argue that natural resources are a blessing; it is the way these are plundered and used that can turn them into a curse. The continent has plenty of experience of such plunder. Rich in resources, Africa is a net supplier of energy and raw materials to the North. The climate crisis confronting the world today is rooted mainly in the wealthy economies' abuse of fossil fuels, indigenous forests and global commercial agriculture. But, without agreement about how to tackle this reality, the question often becomes what can be done about Africa. Or, sometimes, for Africa. This book looks at what has been done to Africa and how Africans should respond for the good of all. Bassey examines the oil industry in Africa, probes the roots of global warming, warns of its insidious impacts and explores false 'solutions'. Crucially, his intelligent and wide-ranging approach demonstrates that the issues around natural resource exploitation, corporate profiteering and climate change must be considered together if we are to save ourselves. What can Africa do? And can the rest of the world act in solidarity? If not, will we continue on the path laid out by elites that brings us ever closer to the brink? Many live in denial even as ecological and social disasters increase, but this is not inevitable and Bassey suggests how Africa can overcome the crises of environment and global warming.

" Coal miners evoke admiration and sympathy from the public, and writers -- some seeking a muse, others a cause -- traditionally champion them. David C. Duke explores more than one hundred years of this tradition in literature, poetry, drama, and film. Duke argues that as most writers spoke about rather than to the mining community, miners became stock characters in an industrial morality play, robbed of individuality or humanity. He discusses activist-writers such as John Reed, Theodore Dreiser, and Denise Giardina, who assisted striking workers, and looks at the writing of miners themselves. He examines portrayals of miners from The Trail of the Lonesome Pine to Matewan and The Kentucky Cycle. The most comprehensive study on the subject to date, Writers and Miners investigates the vexed political and creative relationship between activists and artists and those they seek to represent.

Imperial Canada Inc. sets out to ask a simple question: why is Canada home to more than 70% of the world's mining companies?Created by the British North America Act of 1867, Canada, rather than turning away from its colonial past, actively embraced, appropriated, and perpetuated the imperial ambitions of its mother country. Two years later, it took possession of Rupert's Land all of the land draining into Hudson Bay and the North West Territories from the Hudson's Bay Company, 3 million square miles of resources, and set about its nation-building enterprise of extending its Dominion  from sea to sea."This Canadian imperial heritage continues to offer the extractive sector worldwide a customized trading environment that: supports speculation, enables capital flows to finance questionable projects abroad, pursues a pro-active diplomacy which successfully promotes this sector to international institutions, opens fiscal pipelines to Caribbean tax havens, provides government subsidies, and most especially, offers a politicized legal haven from any risk of litigious recourse attempted by any community seriously affected by these industries.Traditionally rooted in Canadian law, the right to reputation effectively supersedes freedom of expression and the public's right to information. Hence, Canadian  bodies corporate," i.e. Canadian-based corporations, can sue for  libel" any and all persons or legal entities that quote documents or generate analyses of their corporate practices that they do not approve of. Even foreign academics have become hesitant about presenting their work in Canada for fear of such prosecution.The authors of Imperial Canada Inc., all respected scholars in their fields, meticulously research four factors that contribute to the answer to this question: Quebec's and Ontario's mining codes; the history of the Toronto Stock Exchange; Canada's involvement with Caribbean tax havens; and, finally, Canada's official role of promoting itself to international institutions governing the world's mining sector.

The miners' lockout of 1926 was a pivotal moment in British twentieth-century history. Opening with the heady days of the general strike, it continued for seven months and affected one million miners. In County Durham, where almost three in every ten adult men worked in the coal industry, its impact was profound.
Hester Barron explores the way that the lockout was experienced by Durham's miners and their families. She investigates collective values and behavior, focusing particularly on the tensions between identities based around class and occupation, and the rival identities that could cut across the creation of a cohesive community. Highlighting the continuing importance of differences due to gender, age, religion, poverty, and individual hopes and aspirations, she nevertheless finds that in 1926, despite such differences, the Durham coalfield continued to display the solidarity for which miners were famed.
In response, Barron argues that the very concept of the "mining community" needs to be reassessed. Rather than consisting of an homogeneous occupational identity, she suggests that the essence of community lay in its ability to subsume and integrate other categories of identity. A collective consciousness was further grounded in a shared historical narrative that had to be continually reinforced.
It was the strength of such local solidarities that enabled both an exemplary regional response to the strike, and the ability to conceptualize such action within the wider framework of the national union. The 1926 Miners' Lockout provides crucial insights into issues of collective identity and collective action, illuminating wider debates about solidarity and fragmentation within working-class communities and cultures.

The Dreiser Committee, including writers Theodore Dreiser, John Dos Passos, and Sherwood Anderson, investigated the desperate situation of striking Kentucky miners in November 1931. When the Communist-led National Miners Union competed against the more conservative United Mine Workers of America for greater union membership, class resentment turned to warfare. Harlan Miners Speak, originally published in 1932, is an invaluable record that illustrates the living and working conditions of the miners during the 1930s. This edition of Harlan Miners Speak, with a new introduction by noted historian John C. Hennen, offers readers an in-depth look at a pivotal crisis in the complex history of this controversial form of energy production.

This absorbing collection of photographs and ephemera illustrates life as it was for the coal-level miners of Gwent throughout its industrial past. Accompanying the images are detailed and informative captions that allow the reader to fully understand levels mining in the region. This book begins by examining the coal levels that were operational in the 1980s, including fascinating photographs of men, mines and horses. The second chapter explores the older levels, including their owners, numbers employed, wages and deaths. The final chapter takes a look at the last remaining working levels in Gwent, and reminds us that the current generation may be the last to extract coal using the methods of their forefathers. Colin Spencer is a retired coal miner with twenty-six years' experience in the industry. Here he provides an expert insight into levels minding, using rare images to portray the stark realities of the profession to the reader. This book promises to fascinate anyone interested in mining of the Gwent region.

Like an old-fashioned hymn sung in rounds, Something's Rising gives a stirring voice to the lives, culture, and determination of the people fighting the destructive practice of mountaintop removal in the coalfields of central Appalachia. Each person's story, unique and unfiltered, articulates the hardship of living in these majestic mountains amid the daily desecration of the land by the coal industry because of America's insistence on cheap energy. Developed as an alternative to strip mining, mountaintop removal mining consists of blasting away the tops of mountains, dumping waste into the valleys, and retrieving the exposed coal. This process buries streams, pollutes wells and waterways, and alters fragile ecologies in the region. The people who live, work, and raise families in central Appalachia face not only the physical destruction of their land but also the loss of their culture and health in a society dominated by the consequences of mountaintop removal. Included here are oral histories from Jean Ritchie, "the mother of folk," who doesn't let her eighty-six years slow down her fighting spirit; Judy Bonds, a tough-talking coal-miner's daughter; Kathy Mattea, the beloved country singer who believes cooperation is the key to winning the battle; Jack Spadaro, the heroic whistle-blower who has risked everything to share his insider knowledge of federal mining agencies; Larry Bush, who doesn't back down even when speeding coal trucks are used to intimidate him; Denise Giardina, a celebrated writer who ran for governor to bring attention to the issue; and many more. The book features both well-known activists and people rarely in the media. Each oral history is prefaced with a biographical essay that vividly establishes the interview settings and the subjects' connections to their region. Written and edited by native sons of the mountains, this compelling book captures a fever-pitch moment in the movement against mountaintop removal. Silas House and Jason Howard are experts on the history of resistance in Appalachia, the legacy of exploitation of the region's natural resources, and area's unique culture and landscape. This lyrical and informative text provides a critical perspective on a powerful industry. The cumulative effect of these stories is stunning and powerful. Something's Rising will long stand as a testament to the social and ecological consequences of energy at any cost and will be especially welcomed by readers of Appalachian studies, environmental science, and by all who value the mountain's majesty -- our national heritage.

With the closure of the coalmines around East Lancashire went a comradeship that few other industries could ever boast. Today the dry and dusty coal seams with death and danger ever present are but a memory for those whose unique recollections contribute to this proud collection. In this book, former coal miners recall their time spent labouring in the local mines: Josh Greenwood recalls at age fourteen pushing tubs of coal for the colliers in his bare feet along the dark and wet underground galleries at the old Whinney Hill Colliery near Clayton-le-Moors, whilst on his very first day at the Little Naab Colliery, a drift mine on the high and bleak moors above Water village in the Rossendale Valley, Stephen Spencer, also aged fourteen, was given just four candles to light his way along the dark, dank tunnels. This book is a fitting tribute to all those who worked underground in the coal mines of East Lancashire, and an acknowledgement of a bygone industry to which we owe so much. It is also a mark of respect to the camaraderie of the miners, and their trust in their colleagues while working in extreme conditions, for they knew that should the need arrive, others would be there to help.

"The South Wales Coalfield Collection" (SWCC) is one of the largest archives of its kind in the UK and of international importance. This unique asset, however, has been under-used as a tool for medical history because, although the Collection has been catalogued, medical records are often 'hidden' and difficult to locate. "Medical Records for the South Wales Coalfield" is designed to make items of medical significance more accessible. Based on a screening of the Collection funded by a Welcome Trust Research Resources in Medical History Award, the volume will be a popular with academic researchers seeking to define viable projects and focus their efforts more effectively; teachers and lecturers wishing to put the SWCC to educational use and members of the general public interested in the medical and healthcare heritage of the Coalfield.

The author's grandfather was a Durham miner. Growing up in the gritty North East, only two miles from Durham city, he headed down the pit when he was 14 and retired through ill-health and died in 1982. He survived the Depression years and this text tells his story underground working in the dangerous Durham coalfield.

The global spread of transnational mining investment, which has been taking place since the 1990s, has led to often volatile conflicts with local communities. This book examines the regulation of these conflicts through national, transnational and local legal processes. In doing so, it examines how legal authority is being redistributed among public and private actors, as well as national and transnational actors, as a result of globalizing forces. The book presents a case study concerning the negotiation of land transfer and resettlement between a transnational mining enterprise and indigenous peasants in the Andes of Peru. The case study is used to explore the intensely local dynamics involved in negotiations between corporate and community representatives and the role played by legal ordering in these relations. In particular, the book examines the operation of a transnational legal regime managed by the World Bank to remedy the social and environmental impacts of projects which receive Bank assistance. The book explores the nature and character of the World Bank regime and the multiple consequences of this projection of transnational law into a local dispute.

The global spread of transnational mining investment, which has been taking place since the 1990s, has led to often volatile conflicts with local communities. This book examines the regulation of these conflicts through national, transnational and local legal processes. In doing so, it examines how legal authority is being redistributed among public and private actors, as well as national and transnational actors, as a result of globalizing forces. The book presents a case study concerning the negotiation of land transfer and resettlement between a transnational mining enterprise and indigenous peasants in the Andes of Peru. The case study is used to explore the intensely local dynamics involved in negotiations between corporate and community representatives and the role played by legal ordering in these relations. In particular, the book examines the operation of a transnational legal regime managed by the World Bank to remedy the social and environmental impacts of projects which receive Bank assistance. The book explores the nature and character of the World Bank regime and the multiple consequences of this projection of transnational law into a local dispute.

The story of mining in South Wales has been one of the people who extracted the black gold from the hillsides and valleys of the area. Their hard work has often been accompanied by danger and countless thousands have lost their lives in the valleys of Wales as a result of man's urge and need to extract coal. From the children squashed by coal trucks as they opened doors underground for ventilation to the huge disasters at Aberfan and Senghenydd, David Owen takes us 'down the mine' and into a tale of human misery, of families destroyed, livelihoods lost, all in the hunt for coal.

How effectively has the World Bank Group assisted its clients in enhancing the contribution of the extractive industries to sustainable development? This evaluation finds that with its global mandate and experience, comprehensive country development focus, and overarching mission to fight poverty, the World Bank Group is well positioned to help countries overcome the policy, institutional, and technical challenges that prevent them from transforming resource endowments into sustainable benefits. Furthermore, the World Bank Group's achievements are many. On the whole, its extractive industries projects have produced positive economic and financial results, though compliance with its environmental and social safeguards remains a challenge. Its research has broadened and deepened understanding of the causes for the disappointing performance of resource-rich countries. Its guidelines for the mitigation of adverse environmental and social impacts have been widely used and appreciated. More recently, it has begun to address the challenge of country governance with a variety of instruments. The World Bank Group can, however, do much to improve its performance in enhancing the extractive industry sector's contribution to sustainable development and poverty reduction. The report identifies three main areas for improvement - formulating an integrated strategy, strengthening implementation and engagement of stakeholders.

Continuing the 'Mining in Cornwall' series, L.J. Bullen depicts three mines from the Central Mining District. Most of the scenes date from around 1900 to the early twenty-first century. This was the period that saw the decline of the industry, but renews hope was generated in the 1960s with the much improved world price for tin. Some of the leading mining corporations of the world became involved. A great deal of exploratory work, including diamond drilling, took place and a number of mines were reopened. One entirely new mine was commenced. The sudden and dramatic collapse of the tin price on the London Metal exchange in October 1985 hit the world's tin industry severely and was a particular blow to the deep underground mines of Cornwall. Since that time the price has been depressed and never in its long history has the price for that metal remained at such a low level for so many years. South Crofty Mine finally succumbed in 1998 and was the last tin mine to operate in the Duchy. In this, his seventh volume, the author provides a remarkable portrayal of an ancient industry which is now consigned to history. However, the mineral resources of Cornwall are still considerable and perhaps at some time in the future a combination of different economic and political circumstances will bring about a renaissance.

With a New Afterword First published in 1989, Boomtown Blues examines the remarkable 100-year history of oil shale development and chronicles the social, environmental, and financial havoc created by the industry's continual cycles of boom and bust.

In MINING AMONG THE CLOUDS, Harvey N Gardiner examines what one reporter dubbed 'aerial' mining -- silver mining at such high altitudes that the miners were literally working among the clouds. In the summer of 1871, two prospectors ventured high up Mount Bross in Colorado's Mosquito Range. There they discovered an outcropping of silver ore in blue limestone. An unprecedented find, it set off strike after strike in Park County. Thus began the silver boom that gave rise to Leadville, laying the foundation for Colorado's Silver Decade.

This book offers six studies that analyze the effect that medium- and large-scale mines have on local communities. Each study evaluates the impact of the economic, social, cultural, and environmental ramifications of these mining operations on their respective communities. Their primary goal is to examine the costs and benefits of the mining operations. This book places strong emphasis on the sustainability of any benefits received by these communities.

Mining has been the most important industry in large parts of Cornwall for hundreds of years. This volume contains many photographs of mines both large and small with an emphasis on hitherto unpublished scenes of the latter. Within the pages of Mining in Cornwall - Volume Four: Hayle to Kerrier Carrick are images of the mines in the area and the men and women who worked them. Mining ore, whether of tin, copper, lead or silver, to name only a few, once sustained a large number of ancillart industries such as engineering and railways. At the present time no mining is taking place in the Duchcy. All that remains is taking place to remind us of this once thriving scene ate the abandoned engine houses, mine burrows, names on maps and photographs such as these. Mining in Cornwall: Volume Four continues the popular series and should be of interest to both professional and amatuer industrial archaeologists as well as local people. The author is drawing upon the largest collection of Cornish mining photographs in the world.

This book, the third in the Mining in Cornwall series, covers most of the Penwith and South Kerrier areas of Cornwall. The Penwith peninsula constitutes once of the major mining areas of Cornwall from which a prodigious quantity of tin has been won. It is the second largest producer of tin in the Duchy after the Camborne/Redruth/St Day district. The output of copper has also been significant and, among other minerals recorded, are arsenic (as a by-product of tin), china clay and a small tonnage of iron ore. As in previous volumes L.J. Bullen uses the stunning pictures from his collection to illustrate the history of the most important industry of Cornwall. Many of the photographs in this volume are published for the first time. They are supported by detailed and carefully researched captions describing the development of this industry throughout the last two centuries. This book will appeal to anyone with an interest in the region and in mining industry that so strongly characterised Cornwall's economy, history and society for many centuries.

This book, the result of a congressionally mandated study, examines the adequacy of the regulatory framework for mining of hardrock minerals?such as gold, silver, copper, and uranium?on over 350 million acres of federal lands in the western United States. These lands are managed by two agencies?the Bureau of Land Management in the Department of the Interior, and the Forest Service in the Department of Agriculture. The committee concludes that the complex network of state and federal laws that regulate hardrock mining on federal lands is generally effective in providing environmental protection, but improvements are needed in the way the laws are implemented and some regulatory gaps need to be addressed. The book makes specific recommendations for improvement, including: The development of an enhanced information management system and a more efficient process to review new mining proposals and issue permits. Changes to regulations that would require all mining operations, other than "casual use" activities that negligibly disturb the environment, to provide financial assurances for eventual site cleanup. Changes to regulations that would require all mining and milling operations (other than casual use) to submit operating plans in advance. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1 Introduction 2 Existing Regulatory Framework 3 Adequacy of Environmental Protection 4 Conclusions and Recommendations References Appendix A: The Nature of Mining Appendix B: Potential Environmental Impacts of Hardrock Mining Appendix C: Existing Regulatory Requirements Appendix D: Research Needs Appendix E: Financial Assurance Appendix F: Presentations to the Committee Appendix G: Individuals Who Provided Documents to the Committee Appendix H: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members Acronyms Glossary

Beyond the Boundaries is a companion volume to Larry Lankton's Cradle to Grave: Life, Work, and Death at the Lake Superior Copper Mines, winner of the Great Lakes History Prize. That book dealt with work experience and technological change in the Lake Superior-Upper Michigan region, while Beyond the Boundaries focuses on the people of this region and how the copper mining affected their daily lives.

Originating as a silver-mining camp and marketed today as a silver-mining ghost town, Calico, CA outlived the silver era when borax was discovered in its hills. Supplying Borax worldwide-employing the twenty mule teams still associated with Twenty-Mule Team Borax-the Calico mines played a pivotal role in the evolution of the less glamorous industry, borax mining. Correcting the image sold to tourists, Steeples provides a tight geographic, economic, social, political, and business history of Calico, a once thriving community struggling to survive in primitive conditions. He tells the tale of three Calicos: the silver-mining town, the borax-mining center, and the ghost town, providing a masterful history of regional silver mining and national borax mining, processing, and marketing. The book provides an essential chapter in the development of western mining, the borax industry, and western mining camps. But it is more than the story of silver and borax in Calico. Steeples probes beyond the mines and mills in search of the community's soul, considering, for instance, the local paper, the Calico Print, the creation of the twenty-mule team image of Borax, the entrepreneurship of Francis Marion Borax Smith and his multinational organization, the education of the children, and the creation of the modern-day myth. Contrasting the working Calico with the illusory Calico, Steeples writes the complete history of the town from its natural setting to its imaginary legacy.