From perilous to practical: How mining areas are changing in the modern age
By Christina Curran, Biochemistry, 2023
The death of the American mining industry has often been blamed for the decay of Appalachian communities. Indeed, it is difficult to see opportunity in the ghostly shafts so deep beneath the earth. Officials have warned of the sometimes inconspicuous threats abandoned mines pose. The Bureau of Land Management advises individuals to steer clear of unmarked trails in mining areas, lest they encounter a cave-in, toxic chemicals, a deadly fall, or an accidental explosion.
While it is easy to view abandoned mines as a general nuisance and potential hazard, there have been efforts to use the mines to revitalize the areas where they once existed. An old limestone mine in Louisville, Kentucky now boasts the world’s largest indoor bike park, ziplines, and the only fully underground ropes course. The plethora of tourist attractions return a much larger revenue than the original mine once did.
Thousands of miles away, an old stone quarry in Shanghai, China has branded itself as “the first underground hotel”, where guests get a pristine view of a 300 foot waterfall. The hotel is also known for creating its own power through geothermal and solar energy, a stunning about-face for an industry which has garnered a reputation of polluting and destroying the environment.
In line with this “green” trend, areas of the U.S. have found the mountainous, open, and desolate sites of former mines an ideal spot for wind farms.
In line with this “green” trend, areas of the U.S. have found the mountainous, open, and desolate sites of former mines an ideal spot for wind farms. The existing electrical wiring and other infrastructure from prior mining can help connect the new source of energy to populated communities.
There is no doubt that the exploitative practices of mining in the U.S. have ravaged the surrounding environment and have contributed to climate change. These innovative ideas might be a chance for some of these areas to repent for the damage they have caused.
