Environmental impact of mining
Environmental impact of mining
The Environmental impact of mining refers to the adverse effects caused by the extraction of Minerals and Metals from the earth.
Pronunciation
/enˌvīrənˈmen(t)əl ˈimˌpakt əv ˈmīniNG/
Etymology
The term is derived from the combination of "environmental" (from the French environner meaning "to surround"), "impact" (from the Latin impactus meaning "press closely"), and "mining" (from the Old English myne meaning "a mine").
Definition
The environmental impact of mining includes erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface water by chemicals from mining processes.
Related Terms
- Erosion: The process of eroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents.
- Sinkholes: A cavity in the ground, especially in limestone bedrock, caused by water erosion and providing a route for surface water to disappear underground.
- Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
- Soil contamination: The presence of man-made chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil environment.
- Groundwater contamination: The degradation of the natural quality of groundwater due to anthropogenic activities.
- Surface water contamination: The degradation of the natural quality of surface water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Environmental Impact
Mining operations often have a negative impact on the environment due to the nature of the process. The extraction of minerals and metals can lead to the destruction of habitats, pollution of water sources, and the release of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
Mitigation Measures
Various measures can be taken to mitigate the environmental impact of mining. These include the use of cleaner technologies, proper waste disposal, and the implementation of environmental management systems.
See Also
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