What Would Happen if We Stopped Mining?
Mining is a key component of the global economy, supporting the production and use of thousands of resources and materials used in construction, manufacturing and a range of consumer goods. But what would happen if we stopped mining? This article looks at the implications of a world without mining operations and examines the potentially catastrophic consequences for developed and developing nations alike.
What is Mining?
Mining is the process of extracting resources from the Earth for use in production and manufacturing. It involves the extraction of geological materials such as copper, silver, iron ore, coal, and rare elements like grapheme and lithium. Mining is responsible for providing essential resources that underpin the economy, such as energy sources and minerals used in electronics, agriculture and construction industries.
Impact on Economy
Without mining, the global economy would suffer immeasurably. Mining creates jobs and economic growth, and is a major source of income for many nations. In 2017, the mining industry was estimated to contribute approximately $1.4 trillion US to the global economy. Additionally, the industry makes a significant contribution to government revenue through taxes and royalties. Finally, it is estimated that the industry employs approximately 5-7% of the global workforce, representing millions of workers.
Impact on Food Prices
The food industry relies heavily on resources extracted from mining operations, from the production of fertilizers and herbicides to the distribution of energy and fuels. Therefore, if we stopped mining, the prices of food products would be significantly impacted, leading to shortages and inflated prices. This could have particularly serious implications in developing countries that rely heavily on imported food products.
Impact on Electricity
Without access to fuels or minerals mined from the Earth, the production of electricity would be drastically reduced, leading to widespread blackouts and power outages. Certain nations, such as those in Africa that rely heavily on hydropower, could be particularly affected. Similarly, parts of the world that rely heavily on coal or nuclear energy would be hindered in their efforts to produce electricity.
Impact on the Environment
The lack of access to minerals and resources needed for production and manufacturing would undoubtedly lead to massive increases in production emissions, due to countries turning to non-renewable energy sources to fuel industry. Similarly, the extensive use of land resources necessary for production and transportation would likely lead to increases in deforestation.
Impact on Transportation
Without access to resources from mining operations, transportation companies would no longer be able to produce vehicles or fuel them. Therefore, the entire transportation industry, from cars, lorries, and buses to air and sea travel, would be adversely affected, leading to large-scale job losses and the potential collapse of entire industries.
Impact on Technology
Nearly all modern technology relies on resources mined from the Earth. Without mining operations, access to these resources would be cut off, leading to a decrease in technological development. This includes everything from our cell phones to our medical equipment and even our weapons of war.
As outlined, if we stopped mining, the impacts would be far-reaching and devastating. From economic disturbance to environmental degradation, the repercussions of shutting down the mining industry would be felt across the entire globe and could lead to global recession. Therefore, we must ensure that the industry remains sustainable and regulated, both in terms of health and safety for workers and for the environment, to ensure that we can continue to benefit from this vital economic activity.
