Mining Impacts

Mining allows resource-rich countries to fully utilize the resources available in order to develop their nation economically but in return, they turn once-healthy land into a wasteland.

Effect on Environment

The many different types of mining have various impacts on the environment. The most common type of mining is surface pit mining, which happens to be one of the most harmful forms of mining. This way of mining begins with the complete removal of the surface vegetation and soil layers. After this, open pit mining exposes all different types of hazardous rocks that are crushed in the mining process; leaching harmful substances such as radioactive material, mercury, dust, and acidic or basic rocks into the surrounding water, soil, and air. Other ways mining can be detrimental to the environment, are a reduction in biodiversity and the destruction of the surface environment in the area in which the surface mine is created. A study done by Duke showed that on average the biodiversity in the surrounding watershed decreased by 40%, showing just how damaging mines can be to the surrounding environment. As of now, 117 mines are on the National Priorities List; this list is when a site or area is so harmful to the environment that the U.S Government prioritizes the cleaning and recovery of these areas.

Economical Impacts

The global mining industry currently is $1990.9 billion, a 165.7 billion dollar increase from last year, this growth is expected to continue due to world events such as the Ukraine-Russia War and supply chain issues. These events cause a decrease in supply but demand remains the same so profit margins increase and the mining sector grows in value. One example of this is palladium, its price increased by 80% during the first months of the Ukraine-Russia War as both nations are primary producers of the metal, causing the price of the commodity to spike. Economic growth is also achieved by the large number of jobs that are provided by the mining industry. Innovation toward greater mining efficiencies not only allows for greater profits but also new markets for the technology developed from mining, which also strengthens the economy.

Solutions

Many solutions address surface mining by attempting to return these areas to their original environment, but once a surface mine is created complete restoration is very difficult. One solution that particularly stands out is In Situ Leach Mining or ISL Mining. ISL Mining uses strong acids to dissolve the target rock, this allows for almost zero disturbance on the surface. The only drawback to this form of mining is that the strong acid could leech into the surrounding rock. Using this form of mining in combination with chemical treatments will largely reduce the environmental risks that mining causes.