Choice Review

The impact of mineral production on the environment is an important and complex topic for which research and technology have grown at an especially rapid rate during the last decades. This work by associates at the center for Resource Studies at Queen's University, Ontario, is a timely and effective treatment of current environmental issues and technical developments. Although the geographical focus is on Canada, the principles and conditions are applicable to all of North America. The book begins with an explanation of the environmental impact of each step in mineral exploration, development, mining, and processing. It then deals with fundamental ecosystems and measures for their protection, rehabilitation, and reclamation. The second is devoted to specific mineral commodities and to the environmental effects of mining and processing. The text is effectively supported by seven case studies of Canadian mines and their environmental management. Another recent book, Mirtunjoy Sengupta's Environmental Impacts of Mining (1993), covers similar ground but with less ecological and environmental information. Glossary; extensive bibliography. Recommended. General; upper-division undergraduate through faculty. W. C. Peters; University of Arizona