With technological advancements and new machinery, it is possible to extract resources from the earth while minimizing the environmental impact. Industrial and social development have always relied on construction and mining, which can cause irreversible damage to nearby ecosystems.
Mining best practices can help the industry focus on greener solutions to minimize carbon emissions and increase safety for workers. Transforming current mining practices will increase the chances of environmental restoration.
Minimize damage
Old mining techniques resort to destructive solutions that don’t consider the short and long-term damage. Dynamite or other explosives can contaminate water deposits and kill vegetation around the mining site. New methods, like water and concrete filling, can break large rocks and expose resource deposits. In situ leaching (ISL) is ideal and much less invasive for mineral extraction.
Use energy-efficient equipment
Energy-efficient equipment relies on renewable energy like solar power to power machinery without using gasoline or diesel. These specialized machines are sometimes more expensive, but the one-time investment will save companies time and money in the long run.
Perform machine maintenance
Performing regular maintenance on heavy-duty mining machines is another way to protect the environment. Machines that work with gasoline and diesel must comply with environmental regulations for gas emissions. Improving mining safety with maintenance will benefit industrial job sites while creating safer environments for workers.
Reduce mining waste
Most mining companies must deal with waste effectively to avoid polluting nearby ecosystems. An effective way to minimize waste is by finding reliable ways to dispose of it, like reusing and recycling materials. Mining waste has limited uses, but there are always solutions, like cement replacement, road construction, and agricultural use for fertilizers.
Restoring a site
Mining is a temporary activity. With environmental guidelines and regulations, this industry can’t exploit the land; otherwise, it would cause irreversible consequences. To restore a mining site after shutting it down, mining companies can remove fuels used in mining and milling, plant native vegetation, and prevent illegal mining. These actions will enhance mining practices to help the environment by restoring the ecosystem at an exhausted mining site.
