Hi EN:  Sorry for delay in reply, but I have a job.  ;-)

I see that this is a real hot-button issue for you, so let me note up front that I'm not just out to 'stick a thumb in your eye'.  But I think you are seriously mistaken on a number of issues, and/or have a distorted perspective.

"... extractive industries are profitable only if ... clean-up costs ...  expense(d) to the general public ..."  Nonsense.

"... most older metal mines are now super-fund sites ..."   Some are.  Most aren't.  The total footprint on the environment in area terms for the U.S. is less than that for supermarket parking lots or airport runways.  The SF sites are local and limited; the benefits from the mining (i.e., 21st high technology, historically unprecedented standards of living and longevity) are widespread and general.  It's called a 'trade-off'.

"...  mercury residue left in the Bohemia district ...  poison ..."   This is the Black Butte mine?  As I understand it, indeed a Superfund ...