Mining

Part A)
Strip Mining: Is an open mine which runs down to ground level and gets exposed when the rocks and soil above are moved.

Pros: - Very cheap and easy to do

         - Spacious making it easy for vehicles to move around

         - Workers are a lot safer from explosions and poisonous gases

Cons: - Removes lots of the environment, takes tons of space

          - Creates gigantic holes

          -Acids used on site can wash away and destroy the soil and environment.

Shaft Mining: Is when they excavate a tunnel to gain access to minerals.

Pros: - Produces little amount of waste and doesn't damage the environment as much

         - Earn more per profit of ores

         - Doesn't need a lot of space and easier to get a permit

Cons: - Hard to breathe with little ventilation

          - Very expensive to construct

          - A lot more hazardous in the mine

Part B)

Spouse of a miner: Would prefer strip mining a lot more because it is a lot safer and she wants her husband to be safe at work.

Owner of a mining company: Would prefer shaft mining because he would want his employees to be safe and it costs a lot less to create. 

Environmentalist: Would prefer shaft mining because it doesn't do as much damage to the environment.

Owner of nearby ski resorts: Would prefer shaft mining because you wouldn't be looking at a gaping hole coming down the mountain and there's less chance of deadly chemicals coming out into the atmosphere.

Politician: Would prefer strip mining because it is a lot cheaper and easier to sell the idea. 

Part C)

Mining is really important in New Zealand. They have abundant resources of coal, silver, iron ore, limestone and gold. There iron production is ranked 22nd and gold production is ranked 29th. In 2006 the total value of mineral production in New Zealand was $1.5 billion.