Environmental Consequences of Minig

Environmental consequences of mining

Land disturbance

- Studies carried out years before mine is opened check the impact of mining on the surface and ground water, soil, local land use, native vegetation and wildlife.

- Computer simulations can be made to assess the impact it will have on the local environment.

- These findings are then reviewed before a mining permit is issued by the government.

Mine subsidence

- Problem with underground coal miningground level lowers as coal has been mined underneath.

- To quantify the effects of underground mining a thorough understanding of subsidence patterns in a particular region is needed.

- A range of engineering techniques are used to design the underground mines so that subsidence can be anticipated and controlled.

- Ensures the mining is safe and protects the land

Water pollution

- Controlled by separating water runoff from undisturbed areas from water that contains salt or sediments from the mines.

- Mine water can be treated and reused for things such as dust suppression.

Acid mine drainage

- Metal rich water formed from chemical reactions between the water and rocks that contain sulphur bearing minerals.

- Runoff is acidic and comes from areas that coal mining has exposed pyrite.

- Can also happen in mineralised areas that haven't been mined.

- Active treatment  water treatment plant. Dosed with