Mining

Part A

 Strip Mining is an open mine, that runs close to ground level, and is exposed by the removal of the top layer of soil and rocks.

Pros:
-It is inxpensive
-Lots of space to work so machinery can move around freely
-Workers are not exposed to explosive poison gases

Cons:
-It destroys a lot of the environment
-Leaves giant holes in the ground
-The use of acid washes on site can damage the soil and environment as well


 Shaft mining is when a excavate a vertical tunnel from the top down, where there is initially no access to the bottom.

Pros:
-It produces very little waste and less damaging to the environment
-Only requires a smaller mill
-More profit per ton of ore mined
       
Cons: 
-It is very expensive
-Poor breathing conditions due to the lack of ventilation
-This way of mining is more hazardous to workers overall


Part B

Spouse of a miner: As a spouse of a miner I would be worried about their safety when going to work in a mine. Shaft mining is dangerous for a miners health, so I would prefer strip mining because it is much safer.

Owner of a mining company: As an owner of a mining company I would want the cheapest type of mining, which would be strip mining. Also, I would want my employees to be safe on the job.

Environmentalist: As an environmentalist I wouldn't care about how much the mining would cost, my main concern would be the environment. I would prefer shaft mining over strip mining.

Owner of nearby ski resorts: As an owner of nearby ski resorts I would be about the environment around the ski resort, so I would prefer shaft mining. Nobody wants to ski in an ugly landscape.

Politician: If I was a politician that cared about money, and how much things cost, then I would prefer strip mining because it is cheaper than shaft mining.

Part C

In Madagascar, the mining industry only accounts for less than 1% of the country's GDP. Madagascar has the world's largest sapphire reserves. Poor location and infrastructure make it difficult for Madagascar to make good use of their mining potential.