What happens to abandoned mines?

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck explore the surprisingly dangerous world of abandoned mines scattered across the United States. They dive into how hundreds of thousands of old mining sites - from gold mines to quarries - pose serious physical and environmental hazards, killing about 30 people annually through accidents like falls, drownings, and toxic exposure. The hosts discuss the massive cleanup challenge facing government agencies, the history of mining regulations, and the ongoing efforts to make these forgotten industrial sites safer for both people and wildlife like bats.