Preventing and

Minimizing Environmental
Impact from Mineral
Resource Exploitation

JENEL MAE CASTILLO

castillo.jmt@pnu.edu.ph
Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Environmental Impact of Mineral Resource Exploitation
3. Reducing Exploration and Extraction Footprint
4. Promoting Sustainable Use of Mineral Resources
5. Implementing Responsible Mining Practices
6. Utilizing Efficient Resource Recovery Techniques
7. Adopting Recycling and Circular Economy Approaches
8. Encouraging Public Awareness and Engagement
9. Conclusion
10. References
11. Thank You
Introduction
In this presentation, we will discuss the ways
through which we can prevent and minimize the
environmental impact caused by mineral
resource exploitation. We will explore the various
factors contributing to this issue and understand
its consequences.
Understanding the Environmental Impact of Mineral
Resource Exploitation
Exploring the Causes and Effects

1 Causes of Environmental Impact

The extraction of mineral resources leads to habitat

destruction, soil erosion, and pollution of air and
water. The use of harmful chemicals in mining
operations also contributes to environmental
degradation.

2 Effects of Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of mineral resource

exploitation can result in the loss of biodiversity,
disruption of ecosystems, and negative health effects
on both humans and wildlife.
Reducing Exploration and Extraction Footprint
Minimizing the Environmental Footprint
1 Exploration
Techniques
Adopting advanced exploration methods like
remote sensing and geophysical surveys can
help reduce the need for large-scale land
clearance during mineral exploration.
3 Waste
Management
Proper waste management practices, including
the use of containment ponds and the treatment
of mining wastewater, can help minimize
pollution and environmental damage.
2 Extraction
Methods
Implementing innovative mining techniques such
as underground mining and in-situ leaching can
minimize the environmental footprint by reducing
the disturbance of land and ecosystems.
4 Rehabilitation and
Reclamation
Implementing effective rehabilitation and
reclamation plans can restore disturbed lands
and ecosystems, mitigating the long-term
environmental impact of mining operations.
Promoting Sustainable Use of Mineral Resources

To promote sustainable use of mineral resources,

it is important to emphasize resource
conservation, efficient utilization, and responsible
consumption. By adopting sustainable practices,
we can ensure the availability of mineral
resources for future generations.
Implementing Responsible Mining Practices
Ensuring Responsible Operations

1 Safe and Ethical

Workforce
Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for miners while ensuring ethical labor practices is
crucial for responsible mining operations.

2 Community Engagement

Engaging with local communities and respecting their rights and interests is essential to foster positive
relationships and minimize social and environmental conflicts.

3 Environmental Management

Implementing robust environmental management systems and complying with relevant regulations
can minimize the ecological impact of mining activities.
Utilizing Efficient Resource Recovery Techniques
Maximizing Resource Efficiency
Recycling and
Reuse
Implementing efficient
recycling and reuse practices
can reduce the dependence
on new mineral extraction
and minimize waste
generation.
Optimized Extraction Methods
Utilizing advanced extraction
technologies and refining
processes can maximize
resource recovery and
minimize material wastage
during mining operations.
Resource Recovery from
Waste
Exploring innovative
techniques to recover
valuable minerals from
mining waste can help
reduce the overall
environmental impact of
mineral resource exploitation.
Adopting Recycling and Circular Economy
Approaches
Creating a Sustainable Resource Lifecycle
1 Circular Economy
Principles
By embracing circular economy principles, such
as product design for recycling and creating
closed-loop systems, we can minimize the
depletion of mineral resources and reduce waste
generation.
3 Collaboration and
Partnerships
Collaborating with stakeholders, including
governments, industries, and communities, can
foster the adoption of recycling and circular
economy approaches in the mineral resource
sector.
2 Life Cycle
Assessment
Conducting comprehensive life cycle
assessments can help identify opportunities for
resource efficiency and reduce environmental
impacts throughout the entire lifecycle of mineral
products.
4 Policy and Regulatory
Frameworks
Developing and implementing supportive policies
and regulations can incentivize the adoption of
recycling and circular economy approaches in
the mining industry.
Encouraging Public Awareness and Engagement
Empowering Stakeholders
Education and
Outreach
Raising awareness about the
environmental impact of mineral
resource exploitation through
education and outreach programs
can empower individuals and
communities to make informed
decisions and take sustainable
actions.
Stakeholder Participation
Ensuring meaningful participation of
stakeholders, including local
communities, NGOs, and indigenous
groups, in decision-making
processes can enhance
transparency and accountability in
the mining sector.
Conclusion

In conclusion, preventing and minimizing the

environmental impact of mineral resource
exploitation requires a holistic approach involving
responsible mining practices, resource efficiency,
recycling, circular economy approaches, and
public engagement. By implementing these
strategies, we can safeguard the environment,
protect biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable
use of mineral resources for future generations.
References
List of Sources

[1] Environmental Protection Agency. [2] United Nations Environment

1 (2021). Environmental Impacts 2 Programme. (2019). Minerals and
of Mining. the SDGs
Retrieved from [insert reference link] Retrieved
. from [insert reference link]

[4] International Council on Mining

[3] World Economic Forum. (2020).
3 4 and Metals. (2020). Modern Mining:
Mining and Metals Scenarios to 2030.
Shaping the
Retrieved from [insert reference link] Retrieved from [insert reference link]
Future.