How did mining contribute to the development of the West. Unsettles or sparsely settled area. Why Is The Global Mining Industry Important To A Country S Economy Economy Global Economy Developing Country 3 How did mining change the West. . Mining can cause pollution in every medium possible depending on the location it is practiced on. In 1859 a prospector named Henry Comstock staked a claim near Virginia City Nevada. 7 How did the railroads affect settlements in the West and Great Plains. The early attention paid to mining focused on gold and silver discoveries. This became known as the Comstock Lode which was named after Henry Comstock. Later in the century after the Civil War a gold. More people were going to the west to get the gold and silver. 2 What impact did mining have on the West. 6 How did mining discoveries affect westward expansion. 2 How did mining and railroads transform the ...