Environmental Impacts Of Mining

Question 1

What is land take?

Answer 1

Mineral extraction may cause conflicts with other local land uses
—> e.g. roads

Question 2

What is habitat loss?

Answer 2

Removal of surface habitat, resulting in loss of species

• relocating willing rarely successful

• habitat restoration after is common
—> wetlands in mine voids

Question 3

What is loss of amenity?

Answer 3

Mining changes landscape can results in aesthetic problems
—> solved by landscaping and
afforestation

Question 4

What is dust?

Answer 4

Blasting and vehicle movements create dust which is lifted in atmosphere
—> water sprays make particles lump
together and settle

Question 5

What is noise?

Answer 5

Mine vehicles and rock blasting cause loud noises
—> so blasting in mines takes place at
set times

Question 6

What is turbid drainage water?

Answer 6

Suspended solid particles in mine drainage water reduces light penetration in bodies of water
—> sedimentation layers remove
solids

Question 7

What is soil disposal?

Answer 7

Soil waste material left behind may cause variety of problems

  • Aesthetics

  • Stability
   —> Landslide in Aberfan killed 144  

  • Leachate

Question 8

What is mine site restoration?

Answer 8

• Used as urban development

• Used as wildfire reserves

• agriculture may be possible