Mining and the Green Transition

Catalog description

This course will explore the complex geological, environmental, social, and economic questions around mining through the lens of a unique area at the intersection of mining and environmental protection. Yukon, Canada, is home to some of the last wild places in North America, and these areas deserve protection. It is also home to vast mineral resources, and its modern economic history was built on mining. This course will utilize numerous guest lecturers (both in-person and from Yukon over Zoom) who will help us understand the issues and trade-offs in mining. Students will produce a final paper and group presentation proposing new avenues for sustainability in obtaining natural resources. While we may not reach conclusions to the multi-faceted question about how best to produce these resources, students will know the issues, problems, and possibilities associated with sustainably producing the metals needed for the green revolution (and beyond). This course will be of interest to a broad range of students but requires one previous class in Earth and Planetary Sciences, or consent of the instructor.