There are many definitions of ethics, and in this case, ethics not only addresses man's action against man, but also man's action against the health and well being of the Earth itself.

First mans' action against man: "Ethical standards include those that enjoin virtues of honesty, compassion, and loyalty. And, ethical standards include standards relating to rights, such as the right to life, the right to freedom from injury, and the right to privacy."

Secondly, man's action against earth: "Ethics refers to well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues." [1]

"Mining" is defined as "the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth, usually from an ore body, vein or (coal) seam. Materials recovered by mining include base metals, precious metals, iron, uranium, coal, diamonds, limestone, oil shale, rock salt and potash. Any material that cannot be grown through agricultural processes, or created artificially in a laboratory or factory, is usually mined. Mining in a wider sense comprises extraction of any non-renewable resource (e.g., petroleum, natural gas, or even water)." [2]

So, using these definitions, "Ethical mining" at its very basic premise, is a right action that promote environmentally sound mining activities while also protecting those who are employed to work in the mines with stringent safety standards and workmen compensation packages.

How long has this been going on?

For as long as mining for profit has been around I suppose. And as long as that actually is, I think the real eye opener for many were when Blood Diamonds were first reported. Using slave labor to mine for diamonds in the absolute worse conditions (not to mention being threatened with your very life) in order to fund a war and the terrorists in that war. Horrific actions all in the name of greed.

So What has happened here?

For several years, written articles and reports have been taking many mining companies to task for undermining the rules and laws put into place to protect both workers and the environment. More often than not, it is the owner of the land or the company which owns the mining rights to that land that are in gross and grievous neglect of these laws.
Greed is a powerful motivator.

The miners are often poor to middle class hard working citizens who need the job in order to provide for their families. Jobs in the area may be slim to none, so they do what they must in order to support those who they feel responsible for. What would you do if the only jobs in town were to mine and your family was hungry? The most immediate action is to find work.....any work. To the owner of these mining companies, these men fall into "cheap labor". Again, greed motivates in this decision. Cheap labor, lowers operating costs and
the owner of the mine makes more profit.

So does this include ALL mining?

Of course it does. It does not matter if it is gold or silver, or coal or crystals. All mines are supposed to operate within the boundaries of ethical standards, rules and law.

There are very few mines that even offer any type of employee compensation package (health care, insurance, etc) and yet, mining is one of the most dangerous jobs in all of the world. However, due to the increasing numbers of mining accidents, many times ending in loss of life, we, as a people have decided to no longer turn our heads and plead ignorance. We are becoming aware of these unsavory practices more each day and are standing up (and if you aren't you should be!) to demand that both workers and the environment be well taken care of.

What about the environment?

If I may be so bold as to say that there is no type of mining that does not harm the environment. "The nature of mining processes creates a potential negative impact on the environment both during the mining operations and for years after the mine is closed." [2]

Many of the world's mines do have safety regulations in place, but you only have to look at the rape of the land in places like the Appalachian mountains [3] to see that no amount of regulations can save this once thriving mountain range. And it is not only here, in the United States, it is every where!

I recently read a blog referencing mining in India entitled "Rape and Run". The author reports, "It is a ghastly sight, and I hope one day the Chief Justice of India travels to see the permanent scar that has literally been drilled by the Reddy brothers and the tribe." [4]

Crystal Mining

I cannot leave the crystal miners out of this either. Do you really know how crystals are mined? Yes, we would all like to think that a little man with his pick ax and tiny tools gently loosens the dirt around a particularly lovely crystal, taking great care not to damage the surrounding earth. And, truth be told, often times the single rock hounder or small group may take this approach. However, companies do not. Many times, crystals are literally are blown out of the earth using explosives. Other times the land is not so gently lifted out by heavy duty machinery (think of being thrown out of your warm, cozy bed by a couple of big, mean bullies who throw you against the wall a few times with absolutely NO mercy. Just when you take a breath and your brain is trying to figure out what is going on? You get launched again. Over and over.)

Many quarries and open pit mines use explosives to loosen the materials. Others use machinery to dig out ton after ton of earth. For the gemstone enthusiast, you can go to many mining locations and fill up a bucket with this "virgin" dirt and material, pour it into a screen and run the screen into a water area, which is called "Sluicing" to find your gems.

Other mines offer the chance to go into the mine and dig yourself. Question....how exactly did they make those nifty tunnels and passageways so it would be easier for you to find a great digging spot?

Let's face it, unless you are prospecting from a stream and returning all of the unused material back into the stream or you are digging and replacing the earth back when you are done (and maybe even planting a seedling to help with erosion from the hole you just dug) there really is no such thing as completely ethical mining.There just can't be. This is a "for profit" business. Very few businesses are concerned with the environmental issues caused by such massive digging.

Call to Action!

Yes, you can look for those who state they receive their crystals from ethical mining operations. Remember, Ethical mining consists of two parts--the health, safety and well being of those doing the mining and the health, safety and wellbeing of the environment. I simply do not think that both exist in more than possibly a half dozen or so mines in the world, if that. I highly suggest that you do your homework before buying any crystals. Ask a lot of questions, do some background work and research. It is so very important that we take the time to be aware and informed.

It is also very important to realize that most vendors and in fact most merchants may not be 100% sure that the crystals they are selling to you are ethically mined or not. Many times, unless you have the funds and time to visit each mine you purchase from, you cannot know for sure. You simply have to take the word of those you deal with. And hopefully, you have found good folk with integrity that you can trust.

Not sure about a merchant? Ask around. Ask a friend, ask another merchant, heck, ask me! I will research it for you. If knowing the truth is important to you, then you will find a way :)

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/whatisethics.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2006/05/appalachia200605

http://devinder-sharma.blogspot.com/2010/05/rape-and-run-mining-industry-must-share.html

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