Open, unused mining shafts and pits located across the United States.
Coal is the primary material mined in the United States, but hardrock mines, used to extract minerals like gold, silver, copper, and uranium, are also common. When abandoned, hardrock mines pose an even greater threat to local ecosystems than abandoned coal mines. The Department of the Interior estimates that 40 percent of the contamination in rivers and 50 percent in lakes comes from abandoned hardrock mines.
“Communities across the country are experiencing the impacts from improperly abandoned hardrock mines, like contaminated drinking water.” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget, Joan Mooney. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are making critical investments to clean-up these areas, while also creating jobs and revitalizing communities.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Mooney as she heads the Interior’s Office of Policy Management and Budget.
- For wisdom for Interior officials as they address the abandoned hardrock mines.
Sources: Department of the Interior
