Environmental Impact of Mining and Mineral Processing

Management, Monitoring, and Auditing Strategies

Ravi Jain

• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann
• Year: 2015
• ISBN:
  9780128040928
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Environmental Science
• Index: Biological Sciences

Environmental Impact of Mining and Mineral Processing: Management, Monitoring, and Auditing Strategies covers all the aspects related to mining and the environment, including environmental assessment at the early planning stages, environmental management during mine operation, and the identification of major impacts. Technologies for the treatment of mining, mineral processing, and metallurgical wastes are also covered, along with environmental management of mining wastes, including disposal options and the treatment of mining effluents.

• Presents a systematic approach for environmental assessment of mining and mineral processing projects
• Provides expert advice for the implementation of environmental management systems that are unique to the mining industry
• Effectively addresses a number of environmental challenges, including air quality, water quality, acid mine drainage, and land and economic impacts
• Explains the latest in environmental monitoring and control systems to limit the environmental impact of mining and processing operations

Chapter 1

Introduction

Abstract

Mining and mineral processing have significantly contributed to the advancement of human civilization and national economies, but they also have the potential to cause serious environmental degradation. As a result, the industry, with oversight by governmental agencies, is increasingly moving toward sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The examination of mining and mineral processing trends reveals that production is increasing due to the demand from population growth, urbanization, and industrialization. The continual increase in demand is driving new mining developments throughout the world, as mineral commodities play increasingly larger roles in the economies of select countries. Developing mining and mineral processing projects, while minimizing adverse environmental impacts, poses a significant number of challenges. This book focuses on such challenges.

Keywords

Sustainability; Challenges; Mining contribution index; GDP; Mineral production; Mining trends

1.1. Sustainable Development in Mining and Mineral Processing

The importance of mining and mineral extraction is best characterized by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) (2010), where it was stated that the history of human civilization is often characterized by periods such as the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Industrial Revolution, and Information Age. As can be seen, a common thread among all these epochs is the extraction of, processing, and utilization of materials from the earth (NAE, 2010). For example, materials such as iron and coal fueled the industrial revolution, hydrocarbons and fertilizers fueled recent economic and population growth, and rare earth elements have been critical to the development of modern electronics (NAE, 2010). While mining and mineral extraction have significantly contributed to the advancement of human civilization and national economies, they also have the potential for serious environmental degradation. Through the development of best management practices with sustainable development in mind, environmental threats from mining and mineral processing can be minimized.

The United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (1987) defines sustainable development as “meet[ing] the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their needs.” Sustainable development can also be viewed as a process that “involves the economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions of human existence” (United Nations, 2002). Another related concept developed by John Elkington in 1994 suggests an appropriate balance is needed between economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social justice.

As the world moves toward more sustainable practices, the mining and mineral processing industry will be profoundly impacted. Mining provides the raw materials found in virtually every product and service throughout the world. However, the long project life cycles for mining operations means companies are accustomed to long-term plans and operations are generally static (World Economic Forum Mining & Metals Industry Partnership and Accenture, 2014). To assist the mining industry in the coming transition to a more sustainable world, the World Economic Forum (2014) has identified several driving forces toward sustainability that will impact the mining industry:

1. Increased demand for fairness: Demand for more equal distribution of benefits and risks between the community, government, stakeholders, and industry

2. Increased “democratization”: Demand for greater transparency, regulations, and standards to create a level playing field

3. Increased environmental concerns: Renewed focus on the sustainable management of the environment, climate, water resources, and biodiversity

4. Generational changes: New values will begin to emerge in leadership, government, and society

5. Rapid development of technology: New technologies will transform current operations and processes

6. Shifts in global productio...