New geologic studies suggest that underground min ing of coal may cause more environmental damage over long periods of time than surface strip mining followed by proper reclamation, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Why underground mining is bad for the environment?
Mining can pollute air and drinking water, harm wildlife and habitat, and permanently scar natural landscapes. Modern mines as well as abandoned mines are responsible for significant environmental damage throughout the West.
Do you think underground mining is better for the environment than surface mining?
The pros of surface mining are that it has a lower financial cost and is a lot safer than underground mining because all mining operations take place above the surface.
What type of mining is the best for the environment?
In situ mining , for example, can be more environmentally friendly than underground mining and is cheaper than many mining methods. Implementing recently discovered green mining technologies.
Is underground mining good for the environment?
Additionally, like most traditional forms of mining, underground mining can release toxic compounds into the air and water . ... There is no ore dust or direct ore exposure to the environment and a lower consumption of water is needed in the mining process (International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA], 2005).
What are the negative effects of mining on the environment?
Mine exploration, construction, operation, and maintenance may result in land-use change, and may have associated negative impacts on environments, including deforestation, erosion, contamination and alteration of soil profiles, contamination of local streams and wetlands , and an increase in noise level, dust and ...
Is surface or subsurface mining worse?
Subsurface mining is actually less disruptive to the earth and produces less waste than surface mining, but it’s also much less effective and more dangerous . Many workers die in mine collapses, which then also leaves behind a large hole from caving in of the ground above.
What is a disadvantage of mining?
Other environmental impacts of mining include formation of sinkholes and loss of biodiversity . In urbanised environments mining may produce noise pollution, dust pollution, visual pollution and radioactive pollution.
What are the pros and cons of underground mining?
So, in these cases underground mining is more cost effective. The downside is that human health and safety are at greater risk from mine cave-ins, flooding from groundwater or sea water, methane explosions in coal mines, or failure of air ventilation equipment.
What are some disadvantages of underground mining?
Although there are opponents and proponents of underground mining, the disadvantages include destruction of land, surface subsidence, abandoned shafts, extensive surface spoil heaps, mine explosions, collapses and flooding . That doesn’t incorporate the costly price tag that comes with underground mining.
Which type of mining is least harmful to the environment?
Placer mining can be less damaging to the environment than surface mines, as the sediment is returned to the water after the minerals have been extracted.
What are the pros of underground mining?
The major advantages of underground mining over open pit mining are lessened environmental impacts, greater selectivity, and reduced exposure to weather . Much less land surface is necessary for the operation of an underground mine than for an open pit mine of the same production size.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of mining to our environment?
| Mining Pros Mining Cons | Higher tax income for governments Habitat destruction | Mining is crucial for technological progress Biodiversity loss | Mining is a mature technology Endangerment of species | Processes around mining are quite efficient Mining can lead to ecological imbalance |
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Can mining ever be environmentally friendly?
New mining technologies and regulations have significantly improved mining efficiency and reduced environmental impact in recent years. In general, mining techniques become much more environmentally sensitive when efficiency is improved because less waste is produced. ... Research and Development of Green Mining Technology.
Can mining be environmentally friendly?
By taking the two-pronged approach of reducing inputs (such as by diverting surface water and pumping groundwater, or using alternative energy sources like solar or wind) and reducing outputs (by using cleaner production techniques, and reusing mine waste and by-products), mining operations can maximize their ...
How does mining help the environment?
By instead using new, alternative low-impact mining techniques — like in-situ leaching — mining companies can reduce their environmental impact. With many of these techniques, companies can significantly reduce surface disturbance at mining sites, lower soil erosion and move less material that would need backfilled.
