The document discusses the impacts and tradeoffs of mining natural resources. It notes that mining provides benefits by enabling the use of materials like metals and coal, but these resources take a long time to form and supplies are limited. Mining can damage the environment through pollution and habitat destruction from surface and subsurface mines. Laws were passed in the 1970s-1980s to help reduce pollution and require land reclamation, but more can be done through recycling, conservation, and using resources wisely.

1. Mrs. Harris March 25th 2011