The mining of natural earth materials is essential to our modern manufacturing, energy production, and countless industries requiring these critical resources. But mining operations can also generate wastes that can pollute the environment. How do we balance these needs with potential environmental impacts? Your students will take a firsthand look at the methods, controls, wastes, and reclamation steps that impact today’s mining industry. They will simulate copper extraction methods from mine tailings and demonstrate a refining process known as electrowinning.