Chapter 15: Problem 12

What are some environmental hazards of large-scale mining?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Some environmental hazards of large-scale mining include deforestation and habitat destruction, soil erosion and degradation, water pollution and depletion, air pollution, noise and vibration pollution, acid mine drainage, and post-mining landscape and land-use changes. These hazards can lead to loss of biodiversity, human health issues, and various long-term environmental damages.

Step by step solution

1. Deforestation and habitat destruction

Large-scale mining operations often require clearing vast areas of forests and natural habitats to extract resources. This deforestation and habitat destruction can cause loss of biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and lead to the extinction of species, as it forces wildlife to relocate or perish.

2. Soil erosion and degradation

The removal of vegetation during the mining process exposes the soil to wind and water erosion, leading to the loss of fertile topsoil and consequent degradation of agricultural potential. Additionally, the excavations associated with mining can also cause soil compaction or landslides, further damaging surrounding ecosystems.

3. Water pollution and depletion

Large-scale mining consumes significant amounts of water during resource extraction and processing. This can lead to the depletion of nearby water sources, threatening the water supply for local communities, agriculture, and ecosystems. Moreover, mining activities often release toxic chemicals such as heavy metals and acidic compounds into water bodies, resulting in the contamination of surface and groundwater, and posing a risk to humans and aquatic life.

4. Air pollution

Dust and emissions from mining operations, including diesel exhaust fumes, contribute to air pollution. Fine particulate matter and toxic substances released into the atmosphere can have severe impacts on human health, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

5. Noise and vibration pollution

Mining activities, especially the use of heavy machinery and explosives, generate significant noise and vibrations. This pollution can disturb the lives of people living near mining sites, negatively affecting their health and well-being. Additionally, excessive noise and vibrations can alter the behavior of wildlife, causing stress and potentially driving them away from their habitats.

6. Acid mine drainage

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a significant environmental hazard associated with the exposure of sulfide-rich ores and waste rock to air and water. When these materials come into contact with water and oxygen, they produce sulfuric acid, which can further dissolve heavy metals from the surrounding minerals and create highly acidic and toxic waste water. This acidic water, if not properly managed, can contaminate nearby water bodies and ecosystems, causing long-lasting damage to the environment.

7. Post-mining landscape and land-use changes

After the mining operation is complete, the resulting landscape often includes large open pits, tailings ponds, and waste rock piles. These changes in landscape can lead to long-term issues, such as contamination of soil and water, erosion, and subsequent land degradation. The affected areas may no longer be suitable for agriculture, wildlife habitation, or successful reclamation, reducing the land's potential future use and value.

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What are some environmental hazards of large-scale mining?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Deforestation and habitat destruction

2. Soil erosion and degradation

3. Water pollution and depletion

4. Air pollution

5. Noise and vibration pollution

6. Acid mine drainage

7. Post-mining landscape and land-use changes

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