Mining and Our Environment

The impact a mine has on the natural environment varies from place to place, depending on:

- How much area has been disrupted by clearing, water movement, transportation patterns, waste disposal.

- The nature of valuable minerals, waste and how they are handled (runoff into streams - toxic chemicals…)

- Pollution from furnaces or other toxic gas-producing processes

Minimizing Environmental Impact

Environmental impact studies independently researched beforebefore opening a mine

Reclamation after mine closes - leaving area the same as it was prior to the mine opening and removing excess waste rock and ore.

Adding chemicals to holding ponds, so fine minerals clump together and settle out before entering rivers and lakes.

Collecting mine waters with dangerous chemicals before they enter lakes and streams.

Diluting mine waters to acceptable levels before releasing into the environment

Oil Fields in McKittrick, California 2002

Anaconda copper Mine in Butte, Montana ‘85

Coal Mine in Sparwood, BC ‘85

Kennecott Copper Mine in Bingham Valley, Utah ‘83

Mt. Whaleback in Newman, Western Australia ‘07

Silver Lake Operations at Lake Lefroy, Western Australia

Nickel tailings, Sudbury Ont. ‘96

Nickel tailings, Sudbury Ont. ‘96

Nickel tailings, Sudbury Ont. ‘96