Century-Old Mine's Secret: The Mystery of Ground Subsidence
2025-05-08
Multiple sinkholes have appeared on I-80 near Wharton, New Jersey, causing massive traffic disruptions. Investigations revealed these weren't natural occurrences, but rather the legacy of numerous underground iron mines from the past century. Early mining practices lacked planning and regulation, leaving behind unstable voids that, combined with water erosion, eventually led to surface collapses. The issue highlights complex land ownership, the challenges of predicting and mitigating such disasters, and underscores the importance of sustainable mining practices.