Mining is the extraction of minerals and other geological materials of economic value from deposits on

the earth. Mining has the potential to have severely adverse effects on the environment including loss of
biodiversity, erosion, contamination of surface water, ground water, and soil. The formation of sinkholes
is also possible. Other than environmental damage, mining may also affect the surrounding population's
health as a result of contamination caused by the leakage of chemicals.

Mining operations have environmental responsibility include the protection of land, water, and air. In
the United States, mines operated for years before strict environmental controls were implemented, as
information on environmental conservation was either unknown or underestimated.

Air

All mining methods affect the quality of air, as unrefined materials are released to the surface when
mineral deposits are exposed from the site. Mining requires soil to be removed and when that happens
vegetation is also removed which eventually exposes the soil to weather, causing the particles to
become airborne through road traffic and wind erosion. Such particles can adversely affect the health of
humans thus contributing to illnesses related to the respiratory systems. However, the particles can also
be absorbed through the skin or ingested.

Land

Mining can cause physical destruction to the surrounding land by creating landscape blots such as open
pits and piles of waste rock. Such disruptions can contribute to the deterioration of the area's flora and
fauna. There is also a huge possibility that many of the surface features that were present before mining
activities cannot be replaced after the process has ended. Landscape declination caused by ground
movements on the surface of the earth as a result of collapsing overlaying sheets can cause damage to
roads and buildings.

Water

Water pollution is also caused by mining and can include metal contamination, increased
sediment levels in streams, and acid mine drainage. The sources of water pollution as a result of
mining can include processing plants, tailing ponds, underground mines, waste-disposal areas,
active or abandoned surface or haulage roads. The sediments are most likely from increased soil
erosion causing siltation or the smothering of stream beds. Siltification caused by mining affects
irrigation, swimming, fisheries, domestic water supply, and other uses of streams. Mining results
in unnaturally high concentrations of chemicals such as mercury, arsenic and sulfuric acid over a
significant area surrounding the mine.

Biodiversity

The effects of mining activities are observed after the mining process has ceased. The destruction
or drastic modification of the pre-mined landscape can have an enormous impact on the
biodiversity of that area. Mining is a significant threat to biodiversity as it leads to a large
massive habitat losses which affects microorganisms, vegetation, and animals. Temperature
modifications or PH as a result of mining can disrupt the livelihood of the communities that live
in proximity to the site. Endemic plant and animal species are most affected since they are very
sensitive and they require specific environmental conditions, even the slightest disruption of their
habitats can result in extinction or put them at high risk of being wiped out.

How can mining become more environmentally sustainable?

The mining industry uses a large number of natural resources, such as water, soil and minerals.
While it is a vital industry which contributes to the economy of many countries, it can be
damaging to the environment. There are ways that mining companies can become more
environmentally sustainable as outlined below.
Reduce inputs

The mining industry uses a large amount of water and land in their operations. One solution to
becoming more environmentally sustainable is to reduce the input of the mine. By diverting
surface water and pumping groundwater, mines can reduce both the quantity and quality of water
available downstream for aquatic ecosystems and other use.

Reduce outputs

Mining produces materials such as solid waste, mine water and air particles, all of which vary in
their makeup and potential for environmental contamination. Waste management plans are
required in order to prevent soil, air and water pollution. These plans are also in place to
appropriately store the large volumes of waste produced at mine sites.

Proper waste disposal

Correct waste disposal is vital to curbing the environmental impact of mines, as some mining
companies do not dispose of their waste according to guidelines. Companies can invest in
equipment that helps in turning waste into reusable material, as well as adopting policies that
allow for a more eco-friendly waste disposal routine.

Improving the manufacturing process

The efficiency of the mining process can often leave much to be desired, but improving the
efficiency of this process can help towards lessening the environmental impact. This also allows
companies to regulate processes which may be lacking in environmental friendliness.

Close and reclaim shut-down mines

Allowing shut-down mines to continue to stand open is a hazard not only to the community but
to the environment too. Often these mines still have hazardous waste on the property which can
leak into the soil and water table or come into contact with the surrounding humans and animals
living close by.

These shut-down mines can also lead to illegal mining activity, which is why it is imperative to
close and reclaim them. Mining companies can band together to commission small
decommissioning groups and contractors to take apart the mining processing facilities and plants
which will allow the pipelines to be drained and wastes disposed of properly and safely.

Replenishing the environment

Mining companies sometimes overlook the importance of replenishing the environment. This
simple act can go a long way towards increasing the environmental sustainability of mining.
There are simple solutions that can be followed, such as replenishing native soils and grasses,
cleaning excess waste, proper waste removal, site inspections and replanting trees and natural
forestry.

Final words

In order to lessen their impact on the environment, mining companies should look into using
sustainable equipment and waste disposal procedures. They should also consider replenishing the
local environment as often as possible, which will make the surrounding area habitable and able
to return to a natural state once the mine has closed. Reducing both input and output of the
mining process can also help to reduce the negative impact that mines have on the environment.