Adverse Mining Effects On Environment

Getting materials from ground sources to put to use in different industries is called mining and it is very rampant in society today.  There are all ...


Getting materials from ground sources to put to use in different industries is called mining and it is very rampant in society today.  There are all kinds of mined substances and top examples are iron ore, gold, diamond, stone, asbestos, lead, coal and the lists are endless.  Many people depend on these mined materials for their daily upkeep and they will help in boosting and growing economies.  However, like many other practices, mining will come with a set of flaws that must be acknowledged.  This process especially to the environment can be harmful.  For this reason, the following is a look at the top effects of mining on the environment.

The first is the destruction of forests and wetlands.  This is usually unavoidable when mining has to take place in such areas.  For this reason, many have been cleared as authorities see more priority in achieving mining goals that benefit in the short term.  Global warming is an example of the adverse effects that come with destruction of wetlands and forests and this is evident in the world.  The aftermath is nothing short of devastation and many can witness this no matter where they are in the world.  In a bid to restore sanity, many countries have embraced effects to replace lost trees and to restore forests.

However, mining, poisonous substances can be emitted to the environment and this is not uncommon.  Lead is a metal that will be very poisonous and it is a good example in this regard.  Lead will have the power to compromise health and in many areas where it has been exposed to people, mental retardation in children and other effects to the general public have been reported.  Through use of safer mining methods as well as general stoppage of it, the problem can be solvable but this is difficult.

Asbestos, which is usually mined or used in mines, causes great harm to health in the people exposed.  Mesothelioma, which is cancer, will develop in people who get the substance in their systems from the environment and this should be known by all.  When asbestos particles are released to the environment, people will inhale them and after several years, cancer might start to form and this is definitely a health risk.  Many are other harsh effects of mining on people and the environment and many will actually attest to the devastation in areas that are affected.  Awareness of what mining can do to environment and people will be the first step to seeking any help.  This can help greatly in lobbying for help to provide solutions.

Leave a Reply