"In a sense, there is no such thing as healing."

March 15, 2015 11:30 PM

American Mine

see similar at Manufactured Landscapes

posted by the man of twists and turns (6 comments total)

I don't know what all those words say, but dang those pictures are great!
posted by aubilenon at 11:56 PM on March 15, 2015

Here's David Maisel's "Works" directory on his site, btw, with many more amazing photos, including more fantastic mining images.
posted by taz at 12:16 AM on March 16, 2015 [1 favorite]

They are beautiful photos for sure, but there isn't much worse than an open pit mine.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:45 AM on March 16, 2015

They are beautiful photos for sure, but there isn't much worse than an open pit mine.

Mountaintop removal?

Similar/related: Edward Burtynsky's Manufactured Landscapes.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 7:01 AM on March 16, 2015 [1 favorite]

Dip Flash: "They are beautiful photos for sure, but there isn't much worse than an open pit mine."

While it's being worked sure. Once remediation takes place once the mine closes (which admittedly doesn't happen everywhere) it can be tough to differentiate the working areas from the background.
posted by Mitheral at 9:50 PM on March 18, 2015

The only mine reclamation projects I know much about are dealing with tailings in flood plains. The work improves function and aesthetics, but the impact of the dredging and other work is still easily visible after; mining is incredibly high impact and reclamation is A limited science.

It may be that open pit mine reclamation is a more advanced field, but I doubt it given the vast quantities of earthmoving involved.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:23 AM on March 19, 2015 [1 favorite]