Mining and its Impacts
Mining has been a subject of debate due to its varied positive economic and negative social and environmental impacts. The primary concern is whether the financial results outweigh the social and ecological concerns. Mining advocates stress the values and the importance of minerals in our current world and future prosperity. However, the negative impacts should be deeply analyzed and ways found to curb them.
The Importance of Coal and Metals
Coal, for example, is essential in our industries, it propels the electricity production which is critical in our industrial revolution and power for all domestic and commercial purposes. Metals such as steel are vital in our construction industry, doing away with other metals would bring a setback to the electronics industry that we heavily rely on our everyday lives. Safe mining is however emphasized to reduce the adverse impacts of mining. In addition to that, mining has given job opportunities to many locals residing around the mining areas. Improved safer mining of gold by introducing the use of cyanide to dissolve the ores has significantly enhanced gold extraction. This is encouraged practices to strengthen economic advantages while reducing adverse impacts of the mining.
Dangers and Environmental Effects of Mining
Mining of diamonds and gold from deep ores is a dangerous affair. For instance, miners are subjected to deep and dangerous pits. Frequent accidents and deaths are common at deep mineral mining sites. Philippines and Australia are examples of nations with adverse environmental effects of mining. Soil erosion, failing dams, and landslides are common in deserted mining fields. In America, coal mining at mountain tops is destroying natural wildlife habitat. The blasting of coal has driven away wild animals and made the neighboring environs inhabitable for the locals. Toxic methane and other carbon gases emitted from coal mines cause air pollution. Streams of water are becoming polluted from the devastating black rock, therefore, threatening lives downstream. Appalachia is key to lives downstream and stringent measures to curb water pollution needs to be put in place (Fahrenthold).
Conclusion
In my opinion, it is essential we look at the impacts of mining balanced on both positive and negative effects. Mining in America is vast and growing every day. It has significant financial inputs to the nation’s economy. My opinion is that stricter environmental regulations should be put in place to guide the mining industry. In addition to that, some revenue collected by the mining institutions should be redirected back to cleaning the environment and social responsibility to the communities affected. Other ways to improve mining is by recycling waste as to reduce land degradation and developing cleaner mining practices.
Works Cited
Fahrenthold, David A. Scientists say mountaintop mining should be stopped. 8 January 2010. 18 Jnauary 2018. .
G.R Chimonyo, Solomon Mungure and Dr Paul Scott. "The Social, Economic and Environmental implications of Diamond Mining in Chiadzwa." Southern Africa Resource Watch (2014): 1-44.
