These codes and regulations all require the common steps of environmental impact assessment, development of environmental management plans, mine closure planning which must be done before the start of mining operations , and environmental monitoring during operation and after closure. However, in some areas, particularly in the developing world, government regulations may not be well enforced.
Ore mills generate large amounts of waste, called tailings. For example, 99 tons of waste are generated per ton of copper, with even higher ratios in gold mining. These tailings can be toxic. Tailings, which are usually produced as a slurry, are most commonly dumped into ponds made from naturally existing valleys. These ponds are secured by impoundments dams or embankment dams. In it was estimated that 3, tailings impoundments existed, and that every year, 2 to 5 major failures and 35 minor failures occurred; for example, in the Marcopper mining disaster at least 2 million tons of tailings were released into a local river.
Subaqueous tailings disposal is another option. The mining industry has argued that submarine tailings disposal STD , which disposes of tailings in the sea, is ideal because it avoids the risks of tailings ponds; although the practice is illegal in the United States and Canada, it is used in the developing world. The waste is classified as either sterile or mineralised, with acid generating potential, and the movement and storage of this material forms a major part of the mine planning process.
When the mineralised package is determined by an economic cut-off, the near-grade mineralised waste is usually dumped separately with view to later treatment should market conditions change and it becomes economically viable. Cyanide, which is widely used in modern gold mining, is another potentially deadly chemical that can get into water supplies. Mining can deplete surface and groundwater supplies. Groundwater withdrawals may damage or destroy streamside habitat many miles from the actual mine site.
Hundreds of tons of rock are unearthed, moved, and crushed in mining operations significantly increasing the amount of dust and particulates in the air. In addition, mine tailings, which may contain finely ground and even toxic waste, can become airborne. This air pollution can directly affect human health. Mining can cause serious human health problems. Statistical studies suggest linkage between mining pollution and human disease and mortality.
For example:. Because mining is often a heavy industrial activity that involves road construction and the use of heavy machinery, wildlife can be dislocated and habitat damaged or destroyed. For example: the US company Molycorp spent 10 million USD on its paste-tailings operation, but the water and chemical reagents it was able to recycle saved have already paid for the installment, in addition to generating less waste.
Mission 's plan will increase recycling efforts, greener mining and refining techniques, reduce the cost of environmental damage on the surrounding community, and increase government involvement in the regulation of dirty mining practices.
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Miranda, M. Molycorp, Inc. Molycorp Toxic Chemicals Many of the chemicals used in mining are toxic and can escape into soil and water. Harmful Mining Dust Particles Dust is a major air pollutant produced by mining. Coal Mine Methane Gas Release The process of mining can release methane gas that is trapped in coal seams. Reduction of Watershed Area Ground water is depleted through mining operations from cutting forests.
Underground Drainage In strip mining and underground mining, the groundwater is pumped from reservoirs. Stream Flow Blocked In many cases, strip mining blocks streams, causing downstream rivers to dry up. Mining Ponds and Sedimentation Lagoons Artificial pit pools and sedimentation lagoons are built to contain water contaminated by the toxic chemicals from the mines.
Habitat Loss and Alteration Habitat loss can occur due to mining through many ways. Forests Loss Mining can affect habitats due to forest loss and degradation.
Loss of Biodiversity When pristine old forest growth is cut down, the plants and species that grow on the empty land are common hardy species instead of the forest species.
Forest Fragmentation Forests cleared to make way for mines create empty gaps or stretches that break up previously continuous forests into small fragments. Invasive Species In the empty mines and the forest edges, invasive species can move in. Lost Wildlife Habitats The loss of trees leads to a loss of nesting places for birds.
Noise and Light Pollution Noise and light pollution affect many songbirds, driving them to search for new habitats. Rare Species Populations of rare tree species cut to make room for mining operations are at risk.
Animal Road Deaths With the construction of necessary roads to the mines, the loss of animal life increases. Increase in Hunting Once roads are constructed to facilitate the mining operation, there is an increase in the hunting of wild animals as local hunters discover these new inroads to virgin hunting grounds.
Mountain Top Strip Mining Strip mining has some specific effects. Effects of Mountain Top Strip Mining Strip mining has some effects peculiar to it in addition to the general effects of mining like fragmentation, disappearance of the rarer birds, mammals and reptiles according to research published in Bioscience.
Irreparable Landscape Changes Landscapes are changed when the tops of mountains are removed, The area is flattened changing the type of landscapes forever. Niches Lost Many small niches or living spaces for plants and animals are lost.
Temperatures Rise When the elevation of mountains are lowered, previously colder regions are lost. Loss of Forest Areas Forest areas are lost due to mountain top mining. Wetlands and Swamp Diversity Lost When soil from the excavated mountain top is dumped into streams, it blocks water movement.
Pollutants Kill Flora and Fauna Mining releases dust and many chemicals into the atmosphere that pollutes air, water, and land. Habitat Loss Hydraulic mining for gold in tropical forests produces loose silt that increases sediment loads carried by the river and deposited downstream.
Mercury Poisoning Mercury, a toxic chemical, is often used in gold extraction. Selenium Toxicity Mountain mines release selenium , which in large quantities can be toxic even to humans.
Bioaccumulation in Animals From Mining When larger animals eat smaller animals contaminated with a mine runoff poison, such as selenium, the larger animal will accumulate the concentration of the element. Health Risks to Miners and Local Communities Miners and local communities can suffer health risks due to mining. Occupational Hazards of Mining Miners can be injured or killed when the mine roof or tunnels collapse, causing chronic health problems for survivors.
Mining Fatality Statistics Mining was regarded as the most dangerous industry until Health Issues for Miners According to the International Institute for Environment and Development , miners face life-threatening health problems ranging from cancers to respiratory diseases.
Community Health in Areas With Mines Similarly, the effects on communities depends on the metals mined. Examples of health risks include: People living close to mountain strip mines have more birth defects, higher rates of lung, respiratory and kidney problems.
Groundwater contaminated by arsenic leads to many health problems, including possible cardiovascular diseases. The EPA Environmental Protection Agency reports occurrences of bone cancer and kidney problems in the Navajo National Land due to water contamination by radionuclides or radio-active isotopes from uranium mines.
How Mining Demands Affect the Environment Without mined materials like fossil fuels, metal-ore, precious metals, and other mined resources, modern life would be impossible. Impacts of Environmental Degradation. Negative Environmental Impacts of Hybrid Vehicles.
By Laura Williams, M. How Do Humans Affect the Environment? By Susan Patterson. Why Is Our Environment Important? By Vijayalaxmi Kinhal. Developing Sustainable Communities. By Sandra Ketcham.
Deforestation in the United States. Definition for Global Warming. What Is Deforestation? Why Rainforest Destruction Matters.
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