Book Review: The World of Mining

Stunning. A must have for mining industry insiders and observers. What is it? It is The World of Mining, a coffee table book of superb images from mines around the world.

From Africa, Asia, Europe, the United State and Canada, the aerial shots reveal patterns and colours impossible to see from the ground. The tome includes historic, artisanal and modern techniques used to unlock the wealth of this planet. Readers are treated to portraits of not only the miners but also their machines. The chapter highlighting mining communities celebrates the people of the industry; they are as geographically and individually varied as are the mines in which they work. The beauty in humble waste dumps and tailings impoundments is celebrated.

The World of Mining contains the work of four men - aerial photographer Jim Wark, landscape photographer Richard Woldendorp, and environmental consultants Karlheinz Spitz and John Trudinger - and winning images from the annual photography contest sponsored by the Snowden Group of Australia.

The brief passages of text sprinkled throughout the book are descriptive and accurate (aside from a minor misspelling on one Canadian mine name). Their brevity allows the evocative pictures tell the story.

The World of Mining belongs in all Canadian mining and exploration companies' offices. It would make an ideal gift for employees to mark special contributions to the industry or on their retirement.

The World of Mining by Jim Wark, et al.

ISBN 978-0-415-67189-7. 292 pages, hardcover

Publication date: November 2011

Available at www.MiningAndTheEnvironment.com or www.CRCPress.com (US$79.95)