Gold is now primarily found in very low concentrations. Open pit mines, like the one shown in this video, process tons of rock in order to extract just a few ounces. This process is extremely damaging to the environment. This clip I Segment Produced from History Channel's "How the Earth Was Made" series is being used in the geology curriculum nationwide and abroad. | Mining Geologist

OPEN-PIT MINE ROCK EXCAVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Open-pit mining and rock excavation using carbon dioxide gas blasting provide a safer and more controlled way of breaking rocks compared to traditional explosives. This method reduces vibration, noise, and fly-rock hazards, making it effective in sensitive environments. Geologically, such excavation exposes the Earth’s structure and resources, but it also impacts the environment by altering landscapes, groundwater, and ecosystems. Controlled