Mining is an old and abundant industry in various parts of the world.
It is the process of exploring surface and sub-surface land for possible minerals and resources, then extracting and processing.
Because mining involves extracting tons of minerals on the surface and underneath the soil, it disrupts the natural composition of the land and its surroundings.
In many cases, native vegetation, trees, crops, and wildlife populations are disturbed in the process.
Even the soil, surface water, and groundwater are at risk of contamination.
With these environmental challenges in mining and the significant amounts of energy consumed to run a mining site, many global initiatives, the government, and organizations take a closer look at the existing mining methods and the risks it poses to nature and mankind.
Even safety and health risk of miners are taken into consideration due to the dangerous working conditions in this industry.
To address environmental challenges, steps are taken to regulate mining operations and ensure that there is minimal impact on biodiversity.
Best practices involve planning years before the mining itself to study environmental conditions and determine potential problems and risks.
For example, if a potential mining site has natural vegetation, streams, and wildlife, coming up with actual methods and feasibility studies to temporarily relocate these resources in the best manner possible is part of the requirement in applying for a government permit.
Mining doesn't stop at extracting and processing minerals.
The responsibility of mining companies continues until well after the completion of the mining itself, and this includes rehabilitation of the site.
The disturbed areas must be reshaped and cultivated to its original and natural form or something even better, which some mining companies aim for.
Best practices consist of restoring contaminated soil and water through technology and treatment, replacing topsoil and contouring spoil piles, seeding and fertilization, and planting crops for agriculture, forestry, and wildlife habitation.
Rehabilitation or reclamation of land must not simply be an effort or an add-on to a mining company's operations but an existing and integral aspect of mining.
Costs in rehabilitation must be factored into the total cost of mining operations, and monitoring of the land and progress of rehabilitation must be carefully undertaken.
Energy efficiency has also been strongly encouraged in the mining sector.
More and more modern practices, efficient methods, and advanced technology are introduced to many companies with the aim to cut down energy consumption and operational costs.
With greater focus on regulations and compliance, we expect better mining operations in the future with minimal environmental impact as possible.
It is the process of exploring surface and sub-surface land for possible minerals and resources, then extracting and processing.
Because mining involves extracting tons of minerals on the surface and underneath the soil, it disrupts the natural composition of the land and its surroundings.
In many cases, native vegetation, trees, crops, and wildlife populations are disturbed in the process.
Even the soil, surface water, and groundwater are at risk of contamination.
With these environmental challenges in mining and the significant amounts of energy consumed to run a mining site, many global initiatives, the government, and organizations take a closer look at the existing mining methods and the risks it poses to nature and mankind.
Even safety and health risk of miners are taken into consideration due to the dangerous working conditions in this industry.
To address environmental challenges, steps are taken to regulate mining operations and ensure that there is minimal impact on biodiversity.
Best practices involve planning years before the mining itself to study environmental conditions and determine potential problems and risks.
For example, if a potential mining site has natural vegetation, streams, and wildlife, coming up with actual methods and feasibility studies to temporarily relocate these resources in the best manner possible is part of the requirement in applying for a government permit.
Mining doesn't stop at extracting and processing minerals.
The responsibility of mining companies continues until well after the completion of the mining itself, and this includes rehabilitation of the site.
The disturbed areas must be reshaped and cultivated to its original and natural form or something even better, which some mining companies aim for.
Best practices consist of restoring contaminated soil and water through technology and treatment, replacing topsoil and contouring spoil piles, seeding and fertilization, and planting crops for agriculture, forestry, and wildlife habitation.
Rehabilitation or reclamation of land must not simply be an effort or an add-on to a mining company's operations but an existing and integral aspect of mining.
Costs in rehabilitation must be factored into the total cost of mining operations, and monitoring of the land and progress of rehabilitation must be carefully undertaken.
Energy efficiency has also been strongly encouraged in the mining sector.
More and more modern practices, efficient methods, and advanced technology are introduced to many companies with the aim to cut down energy consumption and operational costs.
With greater focus on regulations and compliance, we expect better mining operations in the future with minimal environmental impact as possible.