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Introduction Urbanization Mine Wastes Influence of Mining

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Resource extraction on the Comstock was limited and regulated by the natural world itself. The newly developed land and its ore deposits were great, but not inexhaustible; the resources had limitations. The impact that the Comstock had on the environment can be compared to the different stages of a skyrocket. First, great resources were assembled at other places. Energy and resources had to go into making the actual rocket at one place; in this case, people picked up their belongings and assembled those things they needed to get to the Comstock. Next the rocket was lit and great energy was tapped to get it to its destination; people mobilized in a great rush to get to the Comstock. When the rocket explodes, the site is spectacular. Sparks catch and wildfire spreads. Then finally the spent rocket lies in the dirt and slowly weathers away, surrounded by a burned landscape. Slowly the land heals and repairs are made by nature itself. Such was what happened at the Comstock, the deposit itself was found in a region containing fertile valleys and forested mountains. Exploitation of these resources set in like wildfire. Agricultural communities sprang up to feed the Comstock. Logging communities were established to feed the timber needs of the mines. Railroads and roads were built to transport supplies and goods into the mining camp from far away places. See also the QTVR tour of the Virginia City area.
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