What negative impact did gold and silver mining have in the West?

Responses

Tent cities near the mines fostered criminals as long-term residents.
Tent cities near the mines fostered criminals as long-term residents.

Ghost towns were left behind after the mines stopped producing.
Ghost towns were left behind after the mines stopped producing.

Mining camps were sources of many contagious diseases.
Mining camps were sources of many contagious diseases.

Mass migration from the East Coast led to social tension among merchants.

Mass migration from the East Coast led to social tension among merchants.