Abstract

   The United States produces 87Mt of steel each year. The demand for steel has increased by 65% since 2013 (Coal & Steel Statistics. 2014).  Increasing the demand for mining locations. The Gogebic Iron Range has a geological area that is ideal for extracting taconite. The Penokee and Gogebic deposit contains 20-30 percent iron in the form of magnetite. Economically, steel is a commodity that is going to continue to be demanded in the future. However, the process of removing the iron causes ecological, cultural and economic issues, some being negative and positive.  The mining industry increases jobs and economic growth for the surround communities, but could harm the surrounding land and watersheds.  Which is of great concern to the native tribes and citizens.The more we demand, the more we have to supply.  Iron Ore is a finite resource. The scarcity and common use of natural resources has put a burdened on the land. This is the underlying definition of The Tragedy of Commons, a metaphor created by Garrett Hardin. Contrary to the beliefs of Hardin, Elinor Ostrum believes humanity can come to rational decisions regarding ecologically issues; there must be a collective action in order for it to succeed. Cohesion between ecological, cultural and economical sustainability will provide methods of sustainability that allow industries to move forward in sustainable practices. Implementing sustainability into economic practices and cultural practices will improve ecological success.