Boom or Bust? Should We Extract?

A large molybdenum reserve (a mineral used in steel alloys and often found with uranium) was recently discovered in
the San Rafael Swell region of Central Utah. The area was once a booming uranium-mining district, but that ended in
the late 1980s. An international mining company wants to buy mining operation rights to the land from the Bureau of
Land Management. A local environmental group in Green River, Utah opposes the deal and has asked for a town hall
meeting to be held to discuss the issue. For this assignment, you will be representing one of the groups that are either
for or against the new mining operation. I will serve as moderator and clerk.

There are several components to running a successful town hall meeting. Each group will want to advertise their
position by creating fliers, lawn signs, and/or picket signs. You will then prepare statements for the town hall meeting,
using persuasive evidence to support your claim. You will be given a certain amount of time to speak, so preparation is
key.

You will be assigned to one of the following groups:

 International Mining Company (your group can come up with its own name)
 Environmental Advocacy Group (your group can come up with its own name)
 Republican Office Representatives
 Democratic Office Representatives
 Townspeople

To prepare for the town hall meeting, you will decide as a group what position your group would most likely support.

Your group will then research how mining operations work (what is involved, what are the environmental effects, the
economic effects, etc.) using credible and reputable sources. Find evidence to support your claim and prepare for
counterclaims. Groups will turn in statements, questions, and counterclaim anticipations for peer feedback from other
classes with same group (Ex. Townspeople from 1st period will give feedback to Townspeople from 2nd period).

Prepare a statement that clearly articulates your group’s position. Also prepare questions for the opposition. Anticipate
what questions or statements the opposition may use to discredit your position.

Each group will be given the opportunity to give an opening statement, followed by a round of questions. Statements
and questioning will be timed to ensure everyone has the opportunity to speak. At the end of the meeting, a vote will
be held to determine if the mining company should be allowed to operate in the San Rafael Swell.

After the meeting, you will write a 1-2 page reflective essay about the experience. Consider the following questions
when writing your reflection. Did you have an opinion before the meeting? Did your opinion change after the meeting?
Why or why not? How did your understanding of geology influence your decision? Do you think it is important for
citizens to be scientifically literate? Why or why not?

Standards

8.4.1 
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence that shows that the uneven distribution of Earth's mineral, energy,
and groundwater resources is caused by geological processes. Examples of uneven distribution of resources could
include Utah's unique geologic history.

8.4.2 
Engage in argument supported by evidence about the effect of per-capita consumption of natural resources on Earth's
systems. Emphasize that these resources are limited and may be non-renewable. Examples of evidence include rates of
consumption of food and natural resources such as freshwater, minerals, and energy sources.

Objective: For students to apply knowledge of resource extraction and consumption and its effects on local communities
and the environment.

Timeline
Day 1: Meet with assigned group and do initial research to determine your stance. Assign a specific role to each member
(e.g., note taker, speaker, poster designer, etc.).
Days 2-3: Research mining operations and find evidence to support your group’s claim. As a group, come up with
statements, questions, and anticipated counterclaims and hand in for peer review.
Day 4: Give peer feedback. Start working on fliers and signs.
Day 5: Make adjustments to your statements/questions based on peer feedback. Finish fliers and signs.
Day 6: Mock town hall meeting.
Day 7-8: Write and turn in reflective essay.

Possible Resources

http://web.mit.edu/12.000/www/m2016/finalwebsite/problems/mining.html

https://www.americangeosciences.org/critical-issues/faq/how-can-metal-mining-impact-environment

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/geo/chapter/reading-effects-of-mining/

https://www.americangeosciences.org/critical-issues/faq/can-we-mitigate-environmental-impacts-mining

https://www.tmra.com/mining-benefits

https://www.riotinto.com/ourcommitment/spotlight-18130.aspx?&y=10

https://www.ogm.utah.gov/

https://naturalresources.utah.gov/dnr-newsfeed/utah-2017-mining-production-value-up-seven-percent-totaled-3-3-
billion

https://www.ksl.com/article/46491319/utah-legislator-pitches-bill-to-limit-powers-of-local-government