mining towns

Mining towns are communities established primarily to support and serve the needs of nearby mineral extraction operations. Often located close to mines, these towns provide housing, supplies, and services to workers and their families. Historically, they grew rapidly during resource booms but could decline or become ghost towns if the mineral deposits were exhausted or prices fell. Today, some mining towns remain active, while others serve as historical sites, illustrating the economic cycles and societal impacts of extraction industries on local populations.