Many areas of unusual geology that contain ore bearing bodies also support unique ecological communities of plants and animals. Where we have increasing demand to exploit rich mineral deposits this can lead to a conflict between mining and conservation interests in such landscapes. The book of which the concept is based in the interface between geology and botany and mining and conservation, brings together experts in the field of mining and conservation. The book focusses on natural and semi-natural ecosystems, where landscape beauty, biodiversity and conservation value are at their highest measure and the mineral wealth they contain can bring affluence of regional or even national importance. Examples of conflicts ranging from threatened floristic endemics to human ecology has been covered, with examples from Africa, the Americas, and Australasia.