Mining... Not much different from the past to now.

We will be talking about mining booms and busts of the West.  The overnight sensations brought about by discovery of gold, silver, or copper.  These towns faced many issues including crime, over-expansion, and the bust that usually accompanied there booms.  They also changed the regions that surrounded them forever.  In this blog, I would like you to reference the recent boom of oil in North Dakota.  See any similarities?  Crime?  Economic booms? Will there be a bust?  Fueled by the same things?  Any changes to the region (politically, socially)?  Try to find at least one article that gives a specific example of previously mentioned issues (If you aren't up on the issue, here is a good Washington Post article.  You may use any article you wish)  You decide.  Are things much different than 150 years ago?