A copper mining operation discharges waste products into a river and causes higher costs and discomfort to downstream users of the water.In this case:
A) too few of society's resources are being used to produce copper.
B) too many of society's resources are being used to produce copper.
C) the ideal amount of society's resources are being used to produce copper.
D) there is an external benefit to society from copper production.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The waste discharges and negative impacts downstream suggest that too many of society's resources are being used to produce copper, as the costs to the environment and downstream users are not being taken into account. In an ideal situation, the copper mining operation would minimize waste and its negative impacts on the environment and downstream users.

A Copper Mining Operation Discharges Waste Products into a River