This text examines the impact of environmental concerns and their related legislation on the mining industry. Specifically, the book focuses on two issues facing the mining industry: Superfund liability and global warming. The first issue has a tremendous impact on the sale of properties, insuring operations, developing new properties, joint venture and many other aspects of mining firm operations. The second issue is of interest due to the uncertainty associated with the "greenhouse effect". By focusing on these issues, the volume reveals the tradeoffs between the desire to create and maintain a given level of environmental quality while continuing to produce the goods we use to make our everyday lives more enjoyable.