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Case Study: The Ok Tedi Copper Mine

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The Ok Tedi Copper Mine
Define the main forms of pollution and resource depletion and identify the major problems associated with each form.
The main type of pollution at the Ok Tedi Copper Mine is the discharging of mining waste into the Ok Tedi River in Papua New Guinea. The pollution problem began in 1984 following the collapse of a tailing dam used by the company that was responsible for mining copper and gold at the site. By 2000, more than 90 million tons of mine waste had been released into the river and destroyed tens of villages, farms, rainforests, and fisheries downstream. The mine wastes were deposited along the 620 stretch of the river, leading to great loss of animal life and vegetation. The pollution is regarded as the most destructive environmental disaster. The main type of depletion at the mine is the loss of minerals and other natural resources such as vegetation.
Compare and contrast the views of (a) an ecological ethic, (b) Blackstone's ethic of environmental rights, and (c) a utilitarian ethic of pollution control. Which view seems to you to be the more adequate? Explain your answer.
Ecological ethics states that ecological systems are intrinsically valuable and that they deserve …show more content…

Ultimately, major decisions on resource depletion and pollution have to be made by individuals. Scientific experts help the government and public to understand the importance of protecting the environment. On their part, government experts help in passing relevant laws, which commit all stakeholders into the environmental conservation efforts. Government experts also play a critical role in intervening to provide remedies in situations of environmental pollution. For example, the government can provide alternative sources of energy so that people do not cut trees to use as

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