1.3-1.5: Impact, Managing, & Sustainable Use of Rock and Mineral Extraction:

Rock and Mineral Extraction:

When a mine opens, it ripples through the environment, economy and local society—often in both positive and negative ways.

Environmental Impacts

1. Habitat Loss & Deforestation:

• Clearing vegetation for open-cast pits, overburden dumps and access roads for mining destroys forests and habitats.

2. Air Pollution & Dust

• Dust and emissions from machinery harm air quality.

3. Water Pollution

• Chemicals and heavy metals contaminate rivers and groundwater.

4. Soil Erosion & Sedimentation 

• Loose soil from mining areas washes away easily, causing sediment build-up and flood risk.

5. Noise & Visual Intrusion

•  24-hour machinery, blasting and giant pits alter the landscape aesthetic and disturb wildlife.

6. Waste Volumes

• Typically, 2–3 tonnes of waste rock per tonne of ore; requires stable containment (e.g., tailings dams).

Economic Impacts

1. Job Creation 

• Mining provides employment in local and national sectors. 

• Direct employment (miners, engineers) and indirect roles (equipment suppliers, catering). 

• Multiplier effect: every mine job can generate 1–2 additional local jobs.

2. Infrastructure Development 

• Roads, rail links, power lines and water systems installed to serve the mine often benefit communities.

3. Government & Community Revenue 

• Governments earn money from mining through taxes, royalties, and export duties, which help fund national development. 

• Mining also boosts foreign exchange reserves by exporting valuable minerals.

4. Economic Risks

• Mining can lose money if the prices of minerals go down, because companies might spend more than they earn. 

• Also, mining can get expensive if the cost of workers, machines, or safety rules goes up.

• The trickle-down effect is the idea that if rich people or big businesses get more money—like through tax cuts—they will spend or invest it in ways that help everyone else. For example, they might build new factories, hire more workers, or buy more goods, which creates jobs and boosts the economy for others.

Managing the Impact of Rock and Mineral Extraction

Safe Disposal of Mining Waste

• Waste must be stored securely to prevent collapse.

• Sites should be designed to avoid water pollution.

• Regular monitoring is needed to detect leaks or movement.

Land Restoration

• Reshaping: Waste piles are reshaped to match the natural landscape.

• Covering: Soil enriched with nutrients is added on top.

• Replanting: Trees and plants are introduced to restore ecosystems.

• Over time, animals return and biodiversity improves.

Bioremediation (Cleaning with Nature)

• Uses living organisms (like bacteria or plants) to remove toxic chemicals.

• Two types:

  • In situ: Treats pollution at the site.

  • Ex situ: Removes waste and treats it elsewhere.

• Microorganisms break down pollutants into safer substances.

• Some plants absorb toxic metals and are removed after growth.

Creating Natural Reserves

• Abandoned mining sites can be turned into parks or wildlife habitats.

• Planting native trees and herbs helps rebuild ecosystems.

• These areas support biodiversity and can be used for education or tourism.

Reusing Mined Land

• Old mines can be transformed into:

  • Lakes or reservoirs

  • Tourist attractions

  • Golf courses or parks

  • Landfill sites

  • Solar farms

Sustainable Use of Rocks and Minerals

What is Sustainable Use?

• Using rocks and minerals in a way that meets today’s needs without harming the ability of future generations to use them.

Key Strategies

1. Efficient Extraction

• Improve machines and technology to reduce waste.

• Reprocess mine waste to recover leftover minerals.

• Use data and computers to predict where minerals are, so less digging is needed.

2. Efficient Use

• Design products (like steel beams) to use fewer materials but still work well.

• Use engineering to reduce the amount of rock or mineral needed.

3. Recycling

• Recycle metals like aluminum, copper, and steel to save energy and reduce pollution.

• Recycling creates less waste and lowers the need for new mining.

4. Legislation

• Governments make laws to force companies to recycle and reduce waste.

• Rules also protect the environment and ensure safe mining practices.

NOTES DONE BY FARIDA SABET

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