Observations from upcoming generation, the so called gen-z and their concerns about the environment, has yet again raised a thought provoking query from Mr. Ojasva Singh an IBDP student at Repton School , Dubai, UAE. Mining as we know is extraction of valuable metals and other resources by excavation of sub strata soil. It is a process required to acquire essential metals that are not produced through agricultural processes or created artificially in a factory or in the laboratory. Some of the minerals obtained from mining include Iron ore, Gold, Silica, lithium, germanium, coal, metals oil, gemstones, rare earth minerals etc. These mineral contain valuable components that can be extracted and sold or used in the manufacturing industries especially the IT sector and are widely used in Computer chips.
Due to the increased business benefit accrued from mining, many people remain persistent to the regulations put in place by the government regulating mining and end up disregarding its negative side effects on the environment. Also overlooking safety related aspect during mining wherein the miners are compelled to work in inhumane conditions, with lack of safety protocols, leading to frequently unaccounted accidents and loss of life in this process.
Through this article, we will take a look at the major environmental impact of mining in the country.
Air pollution
At any mine site mining operations affects the air due to excavations, moving of stones which caused release of huge amounts of particles and dust in the air. Melting of metals also causes release of substances such as sulfur dioxide which is unrefined causing damage to human and plants which wholly depend on air.
Human beings are subjected to chronic diseases such as pneumoconiosis which is as a result of lung tissue absorbing materials such as lead, cadmium and toxic metals. Inhaling such substances causes long term effects on the human body which include cardiovascular immortality and chronic asthma.
Water pollution
Any mining process requires a lot of water therefore causing a threat on all waterways such as lake, rivers and streams.
Heavy metals such as zinc, cadmium, zinc exhibited in any underground mining process comes into contact with sources of water leads to potential threat on health of both human life or any aquatic life.
Soil pollution
Soil pollution occurs from draining of mining wastes to the soil. This wastes when in contact with atmospheric agents causes leaching of harmful element on the soil. Main toxic substances include mercury, zinc, copper, tin and nickel which are produced in large amounts during the mining process.
Erosion
Mining causes soil erosion when vegetation such as trees and plants are cut down. Without trees and plants, the soil has nothing to hold it in place. In times of wind the soil is easily carried away and the area is subjected to mud and rockslide. Erosion does not only affect the mine locality but has an impact on the community.
Deforestation
Increasing demand of minerals has led to continued search for areas with potential of extraction. Mining is the main cause of deforestation as many minerals such as limestones or granite are found in forest areas. Mining has greatly contributed to cutting down of trees, cleared to create mining stations and establishment of roads to transport extracted minerals.
Sinkholes
Sinkholes are defined as depression that occur on the ground area as a result of dissolution of stones and rocks below the land surface, resulting to underground spaces. Rocks that are soluble such as limestones often dissolve into the ground water and cause sinkholes. Minerals mined from the earth surface, done by dewatering the area, causing the surface to sink resulting to sinkholes.
Corrective Action
Despite the environmental effect of mining, most mined minerals or resources play an important role in the production of energy. The industry is as important to any growing economy because it is a backbone for many industries that require raw materials for the manufacture of end products. Due to its significant impact, the industry cannot be completely abolished. The use of recycled electronic waste has to be promoted and rewarded, to avoid it reaching the dumping grounds if not disposed off correctly. The another initiative taken by the student Mr. Oajasva Singh in the same direction is launch of his website, myelectronicjunk.com, which one small step towards collecting the electronic junk from households , commercial facilities, industries etc and with proper processing getting it back into the supply chain. However, companies involved in mining need to comply with environmental regulations put in place by the government regulating mining activity. It is the responsibility of all mining companies to cultivate responsible mining activity and comply with environmental regulations safeguarding use the natural resources available.
