The mineral kingdom is probably the sphere with which we, as humans, feel the least affinity although we are increasingly appreciative of the energetic communication of crystals and other gem stones. Bolivia is the first nation to legally protect the inherent worth of minerals, calling them “blessings.”
To date, we have little experience in appreciating the mineral kingdom for its own contribution rather than as resources for human use and exploitation. Ordinances on the rights of nature are now in place in over thirty U.S. municipalities, including Pittsburgh.[1] However, the discussions about the negative impact of processes like fracking or tar sands oil extraction are being framed primarily in terms of impact on humans rather than on the mineral kingdom itself.
[1] M. Margil & B. Price, “Pittsburgh Bans Natural Gas Drilling,” Yes! Magazine (16 November 2010); A. Goodman with D. Moynihan, “Get the Frack Out of Our Water: Shale-Shocked Citizens Fight Back,” Democracy Now! (20 September 2012).
