The Blacksmith proess does not claim to be a comprehensive and definitive assessment process but rather a simple, easily administrable protocol that offers essential and meaningful information to pursue more comprehensive inquiries. The goal of TSIP is to identify and prioritize more complete studies that should be conducted, based on a general comparative health risk. The three case studies presented illustrate the nature of assessments at mining and ore processing sites and demonstrate a range of different types of exposures. The data collected as part of the ISS process allow for rapid comparison across a range of parameters. This sort of consistent and credible data are necessary to support arguments for expenditure on interventions. Different ISSs can be compared across these parameters to allow for prioritization of further assessment or remedial activity. Additionally, the TSIP can provide a useful resource for researchers attempting to better understand the health risks posed by mining locations