TOPIC: CITE WAYS TO PREVENT OR LESSEN THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THAT RESULTS FROM THE

EXPLOITATION , EXTRACTION AND USE OF MINERAL RESOURCES

Effects of used resources on the environment

The burning of fossil fuels in power stations, homes and automobile engines results İn gases, particles and excess heat
being emitted into the environment. The use of nuclear fuels generates toxic radioactive waste products requiring special
disposal. Oil refining and metal/mineral production also generate wastes and pollutants.

Possible Solution for decreasing negative impact

To decrease negative impact on the environment without significantly disrupting the supply of minerals. We believe this
objective can be attained through a method of mining known as “sustainable mining”. Sustainable mining is an effective
way to reduce the impact of mining on the environment. It is a huge step towards becoming more environmentally and
ecologically-friendly. They will meet society’s needs for minerals and metals, while demonstrating responsibility to
social, economic and environmental issues. The mining companies should keep contributing to the protection of the
employees, communities, customers and the natural environment by promoting the safe and environmentally-friendly
production, use and recycling of metals and minerals, minimizing effects on the environment through all stages of the
mine’s development, from exploration to closure, working with communities about the issues of abandoned mines, and
using new technology.

How can mining become more environmentally sustainable?

The mining industry uses a large number of natural resources, such as water, soil and minerals. While it is a vital industry
which contributes to the economy of many countries, it can be damaging to the environment. There are ways that mining
companies can become more environmentally sustainable as outlined below.

I. Reduce inputs
The mining industry uses a large amount of water and land in their operations. One solution to becoming more
environmentally sustainable is to reduce the input of the mine. By diverting surface water and pumping groundwater,
mines can reduce both the quantity and quality of water available downstream for aquatic ecosystems and other use.

With regard to energy, a mining company can look into alternative energy sources such as solar or wind power. By
reducing the energy usage, a mine can reduce greenhouse gases and extend the life of fossil fuel reserves. You will also be
able to reduce the cost to produce the product and thus reduce the cost of the commodity itself.

II. Reduce outputs

Mining produces materials such as solid waste, mine water and air particles, all of which vary in their makeup and
potential for environmental contamination. Waste management plans are required in order to prevent soil, air and water
pollution. These plans are also in place to appropriately store the large volumes of waste produced at mine sites.

To reduce waste output, mines can look at using sustainable equipment. Much of the modern equipment used today is
geared toward being environmentally friendly. Using cleaner production techniques, environmental control technologies,
using waste as raw material and process re-engineering are other ways to reduce the waste output of mines.

III. Proper waste disposal

Water can be reused on mining sites as grey water for washing equipment or flushing staff toilets. Mining companies
should aim to reuse and recycle water as much as possible, and be sure that all unusable water is disposed of safely and
responsibly. Scrap materials can be recycled or sold to companies who can reuse them in order to reduce the amount of
waste produced on site.

IV. Improving the manufacturing process

Supervising the manufacturing processes will allow mining companies to change elements that are inefficient or that use
too many natural resources. Conducting a material flows analysis will track the physical flows of natural resources
through extraction, production, fabrication, use and recycling, and final disposal. This data will allow supervisors to
develop new processes that are more efficient and sustainable than previous ones.

V. Close and reclaim shut-down mines

Allowing shut-down mines to continue to stand open is a hazard not only to the community but to the environment too.
Often these mines still have hazardous waste on the property which can leak into the soil and water table or come into
contact with the surrounding humans and animals living close by.

VI. Replenishing the environment

Mining companies sometimes overlook the importance of replenishing the environment. This simple act can go a long
way towards increasing the environmental sustainability of mining. There are simple solutions that can be followed, such
as replenishing native soils and grasses, cleaning excess waste, proper waste removal, site inspections and replanting trees
and natural forestry.
VII. Final words
In order to lessen their impact on the environment, mining companies should look into using sustainable equipment and
waste disposal procedures. They should also consider replenishing the local environment as often as possible, which will
make the surrounding area habitable and able to return to a natural state once the mine has closed. Reducing both input
and output of the mining process can also help to reduce the negative impact that mines have on the environment.