In order to recover tiny amounts of gold, mining operations literally move mountains, exposing heavy metals to air and water. Many of the huge open pits also reach below the water table requiring massive water pumping and diversion in the recovery process. These methods create toxic waste and create excessive demand on regional water resources. 
Tailings piles can be hundreds of feet high, such as this one at the BHP Robinson copper mine. | Photo Credit: GBRW Learn about the ways that water and mining intersect in current industry practices.
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