ALECK BYRON E.

MOMO

AB-COMM III

ECOLOGY

EFFECTS OF MINING ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN HEALTH

Mining refers to the process of extracting metals and minerals from the earth. Gold, silver, diamond, iron,
coal, and uranium are just a few of the vast array of metals and minerals that are obtained by this process.
Mining activities require the clearing of large areas of land. The chemicals used in the mining process
often escape into the environment causing large-scale pollution.

In fact, mining is the source of all the substances that cannot be obtained by industrial processes or
through agriculture. Mining reaps huge profits for the companies that own them and provides
employment to a large number of people. It is also a huge source of revenue for the government. Despite
its economic importance, the effects of mining on the environment is a pressing issue.

Bad mining practices can ignite coal fires, which can burn for decades, release fly ash and smoke laden
with greenhouse gasses and toxic chemicals.

The environmental and human health impact of mining includes erosion in the environment,
formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface water by
chemicals from mining processes. Besides creating environmental damage, the contamination resulting
from leakage of chemicals also affects the health of the local population. Mining companies in some
countries are required to follow environmental and rehabilitation codes, ensuring the area mined is
returned close to its original state. Some mining methods may have significant environmental and public
health effects.
It affects biodiversity, Aquatic organisms, Terrestrial organisms, and the health of the people that's is
involved and near the operations.
Coal mines release methane which can pollute the air. Sulfuric acid are utilized in the mining operations
which drain into the water bodies, and adversely affect ground water
The movements of rock in the case of surface mining impact the land negatively. Craters are left in the
areas where mining activities took place, destroying landscape and lush vegetation in the process.
Deforestation is resulting in changes in the ecosystem which includes increasing the levels of Carbon
Dioxide in the air.
In summary mining has a negative impact on the environment including erosion, formation of sinkholes,
loss of biodiversity, contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water, affecting the health of many
people causing many deceased and death of them.