Mining is the process whereby ores are extracted from the earth,refined to extract the valuable element(s).
Several precious metals like gold,copper,iron are mined for their profit.
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Mining has obviously improved the economic growth and development of Nations and even individuals,but it also has the negative effects on man and his environment.
Perhaps,the most significant impact of a mining project is it effects on water quality and it's availability within the project area.
When mined materials are excavated and exposed to oxygen and water,acid can form if iron sulfide minerals are abundant and there is an insufficient amount of neutralizing material to counter the formation of acid.
The acid will dissolve metals and other contaminants and form an acidic solution. If uncontrolled,the acid mine drainage may runoff into streams or rivers or into groundwater. Plants,animals are unlikely to survive in these conditions.
Also,the potential of soil eroding into and degrading surface water quality is very high.
Erosion may cause a significant loading of sediments and chemical pollutants into water bodies.
The rate of precipitation,the amount of vegetative cover are two of the factors that influence erosion.
Water is essential for mining to occur. Pumping and discharging of mine water impacts the environment.
When the mine is still functional,water must be continually removed from the mine to facilitate mining of the ore deposit. Once mining ends,the removal of this 'mine water' ends, resulting in accumulation in Rock fractures,tunnels and uncontrolled release into the environment.
Several human settlements have been destroyed,and the residents forced to relocate because the land has been rendered infertile,and not fit to support life.
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It has negatively impacted the source of livelihood for alot of persons. For example, farmers.
Airborne emissions are not left out. Dust and particulate matter transported by wind as a result of blasting,excavations. Exhaust emissions from trucks and heavy equipment.
Immediately these pollutants enter the atmosphere, they can cause serious effects to the health of man.
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Also, Mercury present in gold ore may be released into the environment.
Noise pollution,caused by the engines of vehicles, working of the heavy equipment impacts humans negatively.
The destruction of the natural habitat of our widelife causes their displacement. If the water bodies that contains the fishes that predators eat are drained,food supply for these predators is reduced. Leading to the reduction in quantity of these animals.
Same scenario occurs for the species that are highly dependent on vegetation. This vegetation provides food, shelter for these animals.
On the larger scale,mining can affect the climate. Emissions of carbon dioxide by machines as we know, destroys the ozone layer. Our one and only shield from the ultra violent ray coming from the sun. When this ray reaches the earth,it can cause severe effects. Skin cancer is just one of the numerous effects.
In conclusion,we know that we cannot put a stop to mining,as it's important to man in the production of several products we use in our day to day life's.
But I'm asking that tougher and strict measeures be put in place to reduce the harmful effects it's constituting to human life's, animals and our environment.
