Materials in Engineering Systems (Essay Sample)

Materials in Engineering Systems
EASC 2213 2013
PROJECT:Effects of Copper to the Economy, Environment and the Society
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RE:Element Copper
Background, Purpose and Authorization
Copper is one of the metals that were discovered in early centuries. It was found in nuggets and certain rocks within the Earth's crust in combination with other elements. Due to its high melting point, the heats of simple kilns easily melt it out of ores. Copper ores have a distinctive color; they are recognized than other types of metals. The combination of copper with other elements such as zinc, tin and nickel leads to formation of very hard alloys that can be of great significance in making weapons and farm tools. The purpose of this analysis is to provide detailed information on the production, transportation and selling of copper. This analysis will also detail on the effects of copper to the environment, society, and economy.
Societal issues of copper
Copper mining is associated greatly with creation of jobs; it creates jobs to miners, transporters and traders. The process also unites people. It also acts as a mean of livelihood for most people that live near the mining grounds. Unfortunately, copper mining management pays little attention to the safety of its workers. Majority of the miners develop respiratory problems as a result of inhaling fumes produced by the copper mines. Some workers also die in the process of mining. For instance, an Indonesian copper miner died few weeks ago in the act mining. Additionally, copper miners are among the worst paid employees in the world.
Copper is a very good conductor of electricity. This makes it very influential in the making utensils, electrical appliances such as cables, consumer durables such as refrigerators and household machines. Its lightness and corrosion resistance makes it a good material for making vehicle parts and engines. Copper is also the most flexible metal in the world. Its flexibility makes it a good material for building and construction (Chatterjee, 11). The characteristics of copper make it one of the most selling elements in the market. For instance, most people take part in selling appliances made of copper Chile.
Environmental issues of copper
Although copper provides jobs to most people in Arizona (Hyde, 209), its mining is accompanied by emission of fumes that pollute the environment by not only clogging openings, but also causing acid rains. Some of the emissions from copper smelters that cause pollution include SO2 and arsenic. Mine effluents also affect the water quality of most rivers within the mining areas. Unfortunately, miners and people who live near the mining areas develop diseases because of consuming the polluted water.
Mining activity of copper also hampers with water reserves. For instance, most dams in Chilean mines are often destroyed because of copper contaminations. Its mining activity also impacts with the physical appearance of the environment. It leads to deterioration of the beauty of the environment and degradation of soil by metal ions and other waste products (Warhurst, 109).
Copper and economic issues
Copper mining is the key revenue of some countries such as Chile. This is because it is highly demanded in the world. The emergence and advancement of electricity industry contributes to its increase in demand. Copper is also highly used in the expansion of projects and technological investments. For instance, Chile raises over 50% tax from copper mining; exports grants it is approximately $ 7 billion yearly. The income rose from copper cannot be compared with that of zinc (Usa, 41). This is because copper is greatly used in the advancement of technology in the world. Unfortunately, there is great possibility for copper extinction to take place. This is evidenced by increase in price of copper products. Additionally, most of the Chile citizens are currently practicing farming so as to overcome the challenge that may be posed by the extinction of copper.
In conclusion, copper plays a significant role towards the ...