Can you tell that this was a mine?

Mining can do a lot of damage to a region. Mining companies are now

supposed to return the land to its natural state when they are done.
Sometimes this works really well. It's hard to tell there was a mine here!

Mining and the Environment

Mining provides people with many resources they need. But mining can be
hazardous to the environment. For surface mines, miners clear the land of
soil and plants. Nearby lakes and streams may be inundated with
sediment. The mined rock may include heavy metals. These also enter the
sediment and water. Removing metals from rock may involve toxic
chemicals. Acid flow from a mine site will change the chemistry of a nearby
stream or lake.

Land Reclamation

U.S. law states that once mining is complete, the land must be restored to
its natural state. This process is called reclamation. A pit may be refilled
with dirt. It may be filled with water to create a lake. The pits may be turned
into landfills. Underground mines may be sealed off or left open as homes
for bats. The land is reshaped. Native plants are planted.

Mine Pollution

Mining can cause pollution. Chemicals released from mining can

contaminate nearby water sources. Pictured below is water that is
contaminated from a nearby mine (Figure below). The United States
government has mining standards to protect water quality.

Summary

● Surface mining clears the land. Rock, dirt, and plants are all
disturbed.
● Mining releases pollutants from rock or as metals are removed
from rock.
● Reclamation occurs when people attempt to return the mined land
to its original state.