How Does Mining Affect the Environment?
Mining is process in which minerals and metals are extracted from the earth. Gold, diamonds, and nickel are a few examples of the various types of minerals that have profitable use for mining companies. Generally speaking, mining companies also provide revenue for the government as well as compensation for its workers. But if you’re already asking ‘how does mining affect the environment’ then you’ve probably guessed that there is a downside to mining activities as well.
Large Scale versus Small Scale Mining
Large scale mining operations involve companies that make enormous equipment in machineries, technologies, and the acquisition of properties that their directors believe are a valuable source of sellable commodities such as gold and diamonds, which are used for making jewelry, and metals such as manganese and tantalum, which are used for developing industrial materials and electronic devices, respectively.
Companies usually invest in one or two sites and continue operations until the sites are excavated completely.
Small scale mining operations have the same objectives but more limited resources. Instead of an organization, they are composed more often by an informal group of individuals, with or without mining experience. Studies show that small scale mining operations have greater potential in harming the environment.
How Does Mining Affect the Environment?
Mining operations have largely negative effects on the environment.
Deforestation
Before a site can be mined or excavated, the property has to be completely cleared of obstacles and this includes both man-made structures and vegetation. Deforestation reduces habitable areas for wildlife animals. Large scale deforestation activities can also pose a significant threat of extinction to rare and endemic species of flora and fauna. In cases of heavy floods, nearby communities are more vulnerable to suffer from landslides and infrastructural damage.
Water Pollution
Chemicals are used to amalgamate extractions. Unfortunately, these chemicals include the likes of mercury and cyanide, which have harmful effects on human health when accidentally consumed. And that does happen when they accidentally pass through pipes from the mines are discharged into surrounding natural bodies of water. Contaminated water also causes inhabiting fishes to die, which could again endanger their population. When dead and contaminated fish are consumed by other animals, the latter may suffer from health problems as well.
Land and River Dredging
Land dredging occurs when large holes are dug out and filled with contaminated water from mine tailings. They become a breeding nest for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects, which could then lead to the spread of diseases like dengue fever. With river dredging, suction hoses are used to suck out minerals but the process also sucks – and later on throws – out gravel and soil. Improper disposal of these elements lead to water pollution as well.
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