Social./cultural impacts
Coober Pedy has an estimated population of around 3,500, varying on the amount of opal that has been discovered and mined in previous years. Most of these residents live in dugouts or mud caves, homes that are located underneath the Earth, to escape the scorching temperatures during the day and to stay warm during the nights. The desert town can reach up to 50 degrees during the day and drop dramatically to 0 degrees at night. These dugouts vary in temperature from 20oC to 25oC all year round. They also block out any noise that may be outside. However, as not all of the population is living underground, people in houses above the ground may still have to deal with the noise pollution.
The residents who live in Coober Pedy are either working or in their homes during the day, as it is far too hot to do any activities. This is why other activities are in the evening or at night. An example of this is “night golf”. The golf ball is glowing so that it does not get lost in the dark while they play. However, this still poses a threat to the people outside due to the potentially uncovered mine shafts that are scattered over the land.
Coober Pedy is covered in dust and mullock heaps. On a windy day, this dust is sent in clouds around the town. The wind can reach speeds of up to 135 km/h. This dust contains very fine, minute particles, which can then get into people’s respiratory systems and potentially cause health and breathing problems. In addition, emissions from petrol in the equipment used to dig holes under the ground causes air pollution in the area. The residents are at risk of developing silicosis. Silicosis is a lung disease that is caused by inhaling tiny bits of silica over an extended period. It kills thousands of people per year, worldwide.
Many of these residents have been born in the town, will live and work in the town and then eventually die in the town. They do not know of any other life apart from the one they are living. This brings up issues associated with social behaviour and exposure. The people who work in these towns may be missing out on social interaction in their daily lives. Especially as opal mining can be done by only one individual and does not require more than one person.
The residents who live in Coober Pedy are either working or in their homes during the day, as it is far too hot to do any activities. This is why other activities are in the evening or at night. An example of this is “night golf”. The golf ball is glowing so that it does not get lost in the dark while they play. However, this still poses a threat to the people outside due to the potentially uncovered mine shafts that are scattered over the land.
Coober Pedy is covered in dust and mullock heaps. On a windy day, this dust is sent in clouds around the town. The wind can reach speeds of up to 135 km/h. This dust contains very fine, minute particles, which can then get into people’s respiratory systems and potentially cause health and breathing problems. In addition, emissions from petrol in the equipment used to dig holes under the ground causes air pollution in the area. The residents are at risk of developing silicosis. Silicosis is a lung disease that is caused by inhaling tiny bits of silica over an extended period. It kills thousands of people per year, worldwide.
Many of these residents have been born in the town, will live and work in the town and then eventually die in the town. They do not know of any other life apart from the one they are living. This brings up issues associated with social behaviour and exposure. The people who work in these towns may be missing out on social interaction in their daily lives. Especially as opal mining can be done by only one individual and does not require more than one person.