Mining is the extraction of
valuable minerals or geological materials from the earth, which forms the
mineralized package of economic interest to the miner. Basically, mining is the
foundation of industrial civilization. It is the process of extracting minerals
like gold, silver, copper, nickel and uranium (metallic) and salt, potash, coal
and oil (nonmetallic) formations that concentrate naturally in the earth. In fact,
other than agriculture product, raw materials also come from mining.
How it can affect the environment?
Mining can give negative effect to
environment such as deforestation, water pollution and also land and river dredging. As usual, before they start mining activity they have to clear the site.
This mean, they have to cut the trees. It leads to deforestation.
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Deforestation reduces habitable areas for
wildlife animals.
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Chemicals are used to amalgamate extractions.
Unfortunately, these chemicals include the likes of mercury and cyanide, which
have harmful effects on human health when accidentally consumed. It happen
when they accidentally pass through pipes from the mines is discharged into
surrounding natural bodies of water.
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| Water pollution |
Land
dredging occurs when large holes are dug out and filled with contaminated water
from mine tailing. They become a breeding nest for mosquitoes and other
disease-carrying insects, which could then lead to the spread of diseases like
dengue fever.
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Improper disposal of these
elements lead to water pollution as well
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