Contents:
The Escondida-Mine is in the middle of the Atacama Desert in the norther part of Chile, some 170 km south east of Antofagasta. It lays at 3050 m above see level and is the largest copper mine in the world. The mine is an open pit mining operation (strip mine) in which gold and silver are also mined (UNEP).
Didactic Commentary:
In this worksheet another method competence will be practiced, the critical reading of newspaper articles. The students should be able to recognise the most important information in a newspaper article. With this gathered information the ecological and agricultural consequences of mining should be appraised. At the end, a discussion can follow about whether mining in Chile should be supported or not. Through this exercise, the students must again grasp the theme critically, and at the same time practice articulating and formulating their opinion.Solutions for the Worksheet 'The Escondida Mine'
1. Read both English newspaper articles.
The first article is about the high, but needed water usage of the Escondia Mine and the small water capacities of northern Chile. Now another water source needs to be found. A project could be the answer, but it is still being contraversially discussed. Afterwards, the sea water from the coast should be transported to the mines in the north. The required salt-removing equipment should be connected to each water pipe. It has been planned that a 2 million cubic meter tank will be placed next to the mine, so that it can also be used as drinking water. As another positive side effect of the project, about 6500 new jobs will be created.
The second article talks about the threat of the flamingo egg hatching areas through mining. This problem became a controversial theme after the mining company Quiborax began its work in the salt flats of Salar de Suire.
2. Appraise the outlook of the economic and ecological consequences of mining.
In the evaluation the economic and ecological consequences should be considered, as positive economic consequences could be, for example, the possibility to create new jobs. As a negative ecological effect, on the other hand, the endangerment of the flamingo nesting areas.
3. What do you think about the mining in Chile? Base your argument!
Positive: employer for many north Chileans, mining is a large investor in the region, drinking water supply...
Negative: ecologically questionable, larger water consumption, endangerment of the local animals...
