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Environmental impact of iron ore mining

January 01, 1970

The environmental impact of iron ore mining in all its phases from excavation to beneficiation to transportation and beyond may have detrimental effects on air quality, water quality, biological species, and nearby communities.[1][2][3] This is predominantly a result of large-scale iron ore tailings (solid wastes produced during the beneficiation process of iron ore concentrate) that are released into the environment which are harmful to both animals and humans.[4]

Excavating Külszini lignitbány Visontán

Iron ore edit

 
Hematite-rich iron ore

Iron ore is a mixture of rocks and minerals containing enough iron content and sufficient volume and accessibility for mining and transportation to be economically mined.[5] Around five percent of the Earth's crust is composed of iron making it the fourth most abundant element.[6] Globally, iron ore is most commonly found in banded iron formations (BIFs) in the form of magnetite (Fe3O4), hematite (Fe2O3), goethite (FeO(OH)), limonite (FeO(OH)·n(H2O)) or siderite (FeCO3).[7] Hematite and magnetite are the most common types of Iron ore. Roughly 98% of iron ore on the global market is used in iron and steel production.[8] The other 2% of iron ore is used to make powdered iron for certain types of steel, auto parts, and catalysts; radioactive iron for medicine; and iron blue in paints, inks, cosmetics, and plastics.[5] Countries rich in iron ore deposits include Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, China, and South Africa.[6]

Mining and processing edit

 
Hull-Rust-Mahoning Open Pit Iron Mine in Hibbing, Minnesota, United States.

Once a fertile site is located, iron ore is typically extracted through open-pit mining. Common extraction methods for iron ore are drilling and blasting. The ore is then transported for processing where it undergoes crushing before being put in a blast furnace where coke smelting converts the iron ore to metallic iron.[9] This is a part of the beneficiation process where the ore is becoming ore concentrate. The gangue minerals become tailings and are transferred to a storage facility.

Issues edit

Iron mine tailings edit

The high demand for iron necessitates continuous mining and processing, which generates a large amount of solid and liquid waste. Iron ore tailings are leftover materials that are released once mineral processing is complete.[10] This waste includes large amounts of iron and manganese oxides in addition to high pH values.[11] Potentially toxic elements found in iron ore tailings include Ba, Cr, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, and Zn.[11] It is estimated that nearly 32% of iron ore extracted ends up as tailings.[12] Every year, approximately 1.4 billion tons of iron ore tailings are produced.[6] Iron ore mining sites, as well as the wastewater tailings produced by them, contain high levels of dissolved iron and particulate suspended matter, which alter the water chemistry and metal bioavailability.

 
Damage in the town of Bento Rodrigues from the failure of the Fundão Dam.

After leaving the mine, tailings need to be stored and managed in order to avoid environmental hazards and safety risks. In Brazil, approximately 95% of mining tailings end up in containment dams.[6] Many countries have experienced dam breaks. In 2015, the city of Mariana in Brazil experienced the failure of the Fundão Dam. More than 30 million cubic meters of water and tailings from iron ore mining were released into the environment.[6] Iron ore tailings dam breaks cause serious environmental damage and fatality in humans. Tailings impoundments also have the potential to seep. Seepage can be prevented or at least minimized by creating an impermeable layer.[13] Otherwise, acidic and metal-bearing waters from tailings can affect aquatic habitats and nearby groundwater.[13]

Air quality edit

The main sources of emissions during both the construction and operation phases include the products of combustion such as nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide and fugitive dust from the operation of equipment.[14] The main sources of combustion-related emissions during both the construction and operation phases are related to diesel generators, fuel-oil boilers, and on-site road traffic. Fugitive dust emissions can occur during land clearing, ground excavation, and equipment traffic on site.[9] Potential sources of fugitive dust during operation include ore loading and unloading, ore crushing, stockpile erosion, and dust from conveyor systems around the site.[1][2][3] Fugitive dust emissions are proportional to the disturbed land area and the level of activity and vary substantially from day to day with varying meteorological conditions.[3] The major effects of industrial air pollution on wildlife include direct mortality, weakening industrial-related injury and disease, and physiological and psychological stress.[15]

Gas and particulate emissions from historical smelting operations have been a source of concern for human health and environmental impacts at some sites. Modern smelters use processes that drastically reduce particulate and sulfur dioxide emissions, recognizing the importance of minimizing and mitigating this impact. Historically, sulfur dioxide was the most common source of concern because it reacts with atmospheric water vapor to form sulfuric acid, also known as acid rain. The acidic conditions that develop in the soils where these emissions precipitate can harm existing vegetation and inhibit the growth of new vegetation. The environmental impact of historical smelting has left barren areas near smelting operations. Some areas that have been impacted for decades are now beginning to recover. Emissions from older metal smelters may have harmed human health in some cases. During the operation of lead-zinc smelters, for example, elevated levels of lead in blood have been measured in residents of some communities located near the smelters. Smelting operations are now combined with environmental controls to prevent potential environmental and health issues related to emissions.[16]

Acid rock drainage edit

Acid rock drainage is created when water and oxygen interact with sulphur-bearing minerals and chemicals in rocks.[17] Sulphuric acid is the most common chemical reaction that results from mining activities as the beneficiation process requires dissolving the minerals surrounding the ore, which releases metals and chemicals previously bound up in the rock into nearby streams, freshwater bodies, and the atmosphere.[14][1][2][3] Acid is most commonly carried off the mind site by rainwater or surface drainage.[18] Many metals become mobile as water becomes more acidic and at high concentrations these metals become toxic to most life forms.[14] Approaches to preventing and cleaning up acid mine drainage include reclaiming contaminated land, soil removal, direct treatment, filling in abandoned mines, relocating and isolating waste, bacteria control, diverting water, and disposing mine waste underwater.[19]

 
Marshy (7041418469)

Wetlands and flora edit

Some mines require the draining of nearby wetlands for the beneficiation process and the cooling of project machinery, which affects downstream water quality and water quantity, and flora and fauna.[2] Wetlands include bogs, fens, marsh, swamps, and shallow water.[20] Wetlands serve a number of functional purposes in the biosphere such as collecting and storing surface runoff, moderating stream flows, reducing natural flooding and erosion, cleaning and purifying water, recharging groundwater zones, and providing habitats for plants and animals,.[20][21] Wetlands are being altered from their natural state to support alternative land uses such as agriculture, urbanization, industrial development, and recreation.[20]

Megafauna edit

Some animals are more susceptible to change and degradation than others Megafauna, including large mammals such as black bears, caribou, and wolves, have shown notable behavioural changes and is sensitive to noise levels caused by iron ore mining and infrastructure projects shortly before and immediately after the young are born and during the rutting season.[15][22][23] These disturbance types increase the distances moved by the animals and may effectively decrease reproductive success and cause starvation.[23] In addition, mining development means new roads and trails are needed for access which greatly impacts wildlife. Animals lose their habitats and are made susceptible to overexploitation, interrupted migration patterns, and lower population sizes.[14] It also affects the abundance of food available for these animals since open-pit mining requires the removal of topsoil and vegetation which diminishes biodiversity.[24]

Water quality edit

Water is one of the major natural resources that is being polluted by iron ore mining operations.[25] In order to achieve sustainability, Earth's streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans must remain uncontaminated.

The extraction of iron ore can cause surface runoff and leachate leading to the pollution of nearby water bodies.[26] Iron ore mining pollutes water through metal contamination and heightened sediment levels in streams.[27] The risk of contamination increases when iron ore mining exposes metal-bearing ores rather than exposing ore bodies naturally through erosion and when mined ores are placed on earth surfaces in mineral dressing processes.[28] In the case of Iron Mountain, remediation activities took place in 1990 and water samples taken from seeps came back with negative pH values and were considered the most acidic water ever sampled.[29] Mining can also have an effect on water before the extraction process. During exploration, roads may be poorly built resulting in sedimentation which disrupts water quality.[18] Overall, water quality can be impacted as a result of acid mine drainage, heavy metal contamination and leaching, processing chemicals pollution, and erosion and sedimentation.[18]

Indigenous communities edit

The above environmental issues of iron ore mining have disproportionate impacts on Indigenous communities and they remain vulnerable to mining's impacts as a result of their close relationship to the land, water, and other natural resources.[30] According to a study from Spain's Autonomous University of Barcelona, mining has been the cause of 24.7% of environmental conflicts involving Indigenous peoples despite making up only 6.4% of the global population.[31]

Since the excavation and mineral separation process of mining requires the removal of overburden, waste rock, and tailings, the local surface environment, atmosphere, and waterways are greatly affected.[30] In addition, these environmental consequences may persist well after the extractive activities have come to an end. At the landscape scale, deforestation and new infrastructure generate patchy landscapes that can disrupt local wildlife and vegetation patterns.[30] Substantial waste products also contaminate nearby water bodies damaging local fisheries and polluting drinking water.[30] In terms of the local atmosphere, the process of smelting releases toxic smoke and gasses and the production of slag and ash affecting the health of plants, animals, and humans.[30] While the mining industry has been proven to have some positive social and economic impacts, it can also exacerbate already-existing mental health and social issues. Overall, Indigenous land-based livelihoods and traditional ways of life are disproportionately affected making it difficult for them to maintain their identity.

Environmental assessment edit

Infrastructure projects must be filed for submission, revision, and assessment under federal or regional legislation to ensure projects are carried out in a sustainable manner if it is thought to have a significant impact on the natural, social, or economic environment.[20] Depending on the size, scope, and scale of particular projects, they can be assessed on a national or regional level. In most countries, larger plans are assessed under federal legislation such as the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (2012) and smaller projects are reviewed more locally, such as the NL Environmental Protection Act (2010). The purpose of an environmental assessment is to protect the environment and quality of life of the people of the province by facilitating the wise management of the natural resources of the province.[20] The environmental assessment process ensures that projects proceed in an environmentally acceptable manner.[20] The size and scope of iron ore projects make them subject to environmental assessment at all levels of administrative legislation. Since Indigenous populations are especially vulnerable to mining projects, it is expected that they are included in this process and have the ability to participate. Indigenous-led impact assessments (ILIA) allow Indigenous governing bodies to design and conduct this process and evaluate the impacts according to their values, concerns, and priorities.[32] While an ILIA incorporated similar stages to a state-led environmental impact assessment, it differs because it reflects the unique locations, histories, natural resource issues, governance systems, and place-based knowledge of the Indigenous peoples undertaking the assessment.[32]

Public safety edit

Old or abandoned mining sites can be dangerous. They may have exposed or hidden entrances to underground workings, as well as old intriguing buildings.[13] Ground sinking, also known as "subsidence," is another safety concern at some mine sites. Where underground workings have come close to the surface, the ground may gradually sink.[13] An unexpected collapse can happen at any moment without notice therefore these areas are usually identified and are best to be avoided. When modern mines close, mine owners mitigate such hazards by sealing off mine workings, regrading and lowering the steep slopes of surface excavations, and salvaging or demolishing buildings and facilities.[13]

Where old mining areas are common, current mine owners, government agencies, or other interested parties may undertake reclamation and safety mitigation projects to address hazards at these sites.[13] These programs serve the purpose of identifying hazards, placing warning and no-trespassing signs, and fencing off dangerous areas. As part of these efforts, entrances to old underground workings may be closed altogether. Some abandoned mine workings have become important bat habitats. Mine openings can be closed to allow bats continued access and protection.[13] This practice is particularly beneficial to endangered bat species. Because many old mine sites may be dangerous, the public is advised to exercise caution and avoid entering them.

Physical disturbances edit

The actual mine workings, including open pits and waste rock disposal areas, cause significant physical disturbances at a mine site. Once a mine closes, mining facilities that occupy a small area of the disturbed land can either be salvaged or town down.[13] The main visual and aesthetic impacts of mining are the open pits and waste rock disposal areas. Open-pit mining disturbs larger areas than underground mining making the visual impacts much greater.[13] In addition, the amount of waste rock produced in open pit mines is typically two to three times the amount of ore produced meaning massive amounts of waste rock are removed from the pits and deposited in nearby areas.[13]

While tailings impoundments, leach piles, and slag piles do vary in size, they are generally quite large.[13] Some of the largest mill impoundments, such as those at open pit copper mines, can cover thousands of acres (tens of square kilometres) and be several hundred feet (about 100 meters) thick.[13] Heap leach piles can range in size from a few hundred feet (about 100 m) to hundreds of acres (0.1 to 1 km2).[13]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Alderon Iron Ore Corp (2011): http://www.ecc.gov.nl.ca/env_assessment/projects/Y2011/1611/index.html.
  2. ^ a b c d Iron Ore Company of Canada (2013) Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project in Labrador West: http://www.ecc.gov.nl.ca/env_assessment/projects/Y2013/1711/index.html.
  3. ^ a b c d Labrador Iron Mines Ltd. (2010) Schefferville Iron Ore Mine (James and Redmond Properties): http://www.ecc.gov.nl.ca/env_assessment/projects/Y2010/1379/index.html.
  4. ^ Adolphus, Gleekia (May 2016). "Impacts of Iron Ore Mining on Water Quality and the Environment in Liberia" – via ResearchGate.
  5. ^ a b Canada, Natural Resources (2018-01-23). "Iron ore facts". natural-resources.canada.ca. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
  6. ^ a b c d e Carmignano, Ottávio R.; Vieira, Sara S.; Teixeira, Ana Paula C.; Lameiras, Fernando S.; Brandão, Paulo Roberto G.; Lago, Rochel M. (2021-10-01). "Iron Ore Tailings: Characterization and Applications". Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society. 32: 1895–1911. doi:10.21577/0103-5053.20210100. ISSN 0103-5053.
  7. ^ Australia, Geoscience (2018-05-17). "Iron". Geoscience Australia. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
  8. ^ . Australia Government. January 23, 2008. Archived from the original on 2017-02-18. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  9. ^ a b weblinx (2021-10-05). "Iron Ore: From Mining to Processing to Dust Control". Benetech, Inc. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  10. ^ Wang, Changlong; Jing, Jianlin; Qi, Yang; Zhou, Yongxiang; Zhang, Kaifan; Zheng, Yongchao; Zhai, Yuxin; Liu, Feng (2023). "Basic characteristics and environmental impact of iron ore tailings". Frontiers in Earth Science. 11. Bibcode:2023FrEaS..1181984W. doi:10.3389/feart.2023.1181984. ISSN 2296-6463.
  11. ^ a b da Silva, Ana Paula Valadares; Silva, Aline Oliveira; Lima, Francielle Roberta Dias de; Benedet, Lucas; Franco, Aline de Jesus; Souza, Josimara Karina de; Ribeiro Júnior, Alexandre Carvalho; Batista, Éder Rodrigues; Inda, Alberto Vasconcellos; Curi, Nilton; Guilherme, Luiz Roberto Guimarães; Carneiro, Marco Aurélio Carbone (2022-12-01). "Potentially toxic elements in iron mine tailings: Effects of reducing soil pH on available concentrations of toxic elements". Environmental Research. 215: 114321. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2022.114321. ISSN 0013-9351. PMID 36222244.
  12. ^ Ghose, M.K.; Sen, P.K. (1999). "Impact on Surface Water Quality due to the Disposal of Tailings from Iron Ore Mines in India" (PDF). Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research. 58: 699–704.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "How can metal mining impact the environment?". American Geosciences Institute. 2014-11-13. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
  14. ^ a b c d Sumi, L.; Thomsen S. (May 11, 2001). "Mining in Remote Areas: Issues and Impacts - A Community Primer" (PDF). Mining Watch Canada.
  15. ^ a b Newman JR (1979). "Effects of industrial air pollution on wildlife". Biological Conservation. 15 (3): 181–190. Bibcode:1979BCons..15..181N. doi:10.1016/0006-3207(79)90039-9.
  16. ^ "How can metal mining impact the environment?". American Geosciences Institute. 2014-11-13. Retrieved 2022-06-18.
  17. ^ "Acid Rock Drainage | novascotia.ca". novascotia.ca. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
  18. ^ a b c "Mining and Water Pollution". Safe Drinking Water Foundation. 2016-12-17. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
  19. ^ "What can be done to prevent or clean up acid mine drainage?". American Geosciences Institute. 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  20. ^ a b c d e f Department of Environment and Climate Change. (n.d.). Policy for Development in Wetlands | Water Resources Management. Retrieved March 2, 2017, from http://www.ecc.gov.nl.ca/waterres/regulations/policies/wetlands.html
  21. ^ Group, N. W. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2017, from http://www.water.ncsu.edu/watershedss/info/wetlands/wetloss.html 2017-04-26 at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ Department of Environment and Climate Change. (n.d.). All Species. Retrieved March 2, 2017, from http://www.ecc.gov.nl.ca/wildlife/all_species/index.html
  23. ^ a b Webster, L. (1997, August). caribou Region Wildlife. Retrieved March 21, 2017, from http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cariboo/env_stewardship/wildlife/caribou/mtncar/harass/impacts.pdf[permanent dead link]
  24. ^ "Environmental Impacts of Iron Ore Mining". UKGBC. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  25. ^ Peplow, D. (1999). Environmental Impacts of Mining in Eastern Washington. Center for Water and Watershed Studies Fact Sheet, University of Washington, Seattle.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  26. ^ Gleekia, Adolphus; Sahu, Himanshu (February 2016). "Impacts of iron ore mining on water quality - A comparative study of India and Liberia". The Mining Geological and Metallurgical Institute of India: 371–380 – via ResearchGate.
  27. ^ Gajender, Chiluka; Jain, S.C. (June 2021). "Impact assessment of iron ore mining on water quality in and around mining area - Case study" (PDF). International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology. 08 (6): 60–71.
  28. ^ Garbarino JR, Hayes H, Roth D, Antweider R, Brinton TI, Taylor H (1995). Contaminants In The Mississippi River. Virginia, U.S.A.: U. S. Geological Survey. Circular 1133.
  29. ^ "Environmental Effects of Mining Iron Mountain | USGS California Water Science Center". ca.water.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
  30. ^ a b c d e Horowitz, Leah; Keeling, Arn; Lévesque, Francis; Rodon, Thierry; Schott, Stephan; Thériault, Sophie (July 2018). "Indigenous people's relationships to large-sale mining in post/colonial contexts: Toward multidisciplinary comparative perspectives". The Extractive Industries and Society. 5 (3): 404–414. doi:10.1016/j.exis.2018.05.004 – via Elsevier Science Direct.
  31. ^ Donaldson, Alex (2023-06-19). "Mining causes 24.7% of environmental conflict involving indigenous people". Mining Technology. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  32. ^ a b Nishima-Miller, Jeff; Hanna, Kevin (November, 2022). Indigenous-Led Impact Assessment, An Introduction: Case Studies and Experiences in Indigenous-led Impact Assessment. UBC Centre for Environmental Assessment Research. https://ok-cear.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2023/01/Indigenous-Led-Impact-Assessment-An-Introduction-CEAR-UBC.pdf

January 01, 1970
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The environmental impact of iron ore mining in all its phases from excavation to beneficiation to transportation and beyond may have detrimental effects on air quality water quality biological species and nearby communities 1 2 3 This is predominantly a result of large scale iron ore tailings solid wastes produced during the beneficiation process of iron ore concentrate that are released into the environment which are harmful to both animals and humans 4 Excavating Kulszini lignitbany Visontan Contents 1 Iron ore 1 1 Mining and processing 2 Issues 2 1 Iron mine tailings 2 2 Air quality 2 3 Acid rock drainage 2 4 Wetlands and flora 2 5 Megafauna 2 6 Water quality 2 7 Indigenous communities 2 8 Environmental assessment 2 9 Public safety 2 10 Physical disturbances 3 ReferencesIron ore edit nbsp Hematite rich iron ore Iron ore is a mixture of rocks and minerals containing enough iron content and sufficient volume and accessibility for mining and transportation to be economically mined 5 Around five percent of the Earth s crust is composed of iron making it the fourth most abundant element 6 Globally iron ore is most commonly found in banded iron formations BIFs in the form of magnetite Fe3O4 hematite Fe2O3 goethite FeO OH limonite FeO OH n H2O or siderite FeCO3 7 Hematite and magnetite are the most common types of Iron ore Roughly 98 of iron ore on the global market is used in iron and steel production 8 The other 2 of iron ore is used to make powdered iron for certain types of steel auto parts and catalysts radioactive iron for medicine and iron blue in paints inks cosmetics and plastics 5 Countries rich in iron ore deposits include Australia Brazil Canada India China and South Africa 6 Mining and processing edit nbsp Hull Rust Mahoning Open Pit Iron Mine in Hibbing Minnesota United States Once a fertile site is located iron ore is typically extracted through open pit mining Common extraction methods for iron ore are drilling and blasting The ore is then transported for processing where it undergoes crushing before being put in a blast furnace where coke smelting converts the iron ore to metallic iron 9 This is a part of the beneficiation process where the ore is becoming ore concentrate The gangue minerals become tailings and are transferred to a storage facility Issues editIron mine tailings edit The high demand for iron necessitates continuous mining and processing which generates a large amount of solid and liquid waste Iron ore tailings are leftover materials that are released once mineral processing is complete 10 This waste includes large amounts of iron and manganese oxides in addition to high pH values 11 Potentially toxic elements found in iron ore tailings include Ba Cr Cd Co Cu Fe Mn Pb Ni and Zn 11 It is estimated that nearly 32 of iron ore extracted ends up as tailings 12 Every year approximately 1 4 billion tons of iron ore tailings are produced 6 Iron ore mining sites as well as the wastewater tailings produced by them contain high levels of dissolved iron and particulate suspended matter which alter the water chemistry and metal bioavailability nbsp Damage in the town of Bento Rodrigues from the failure of the Fundao Dam After leaving the mine tailings need to be stored and managed in order to avoid environmental hazards and safety risks In Brazil approximately 95 of mining tailings end up in containment dams 6 Many countries have experienced dam breaks In 2015 the city of Mariana in Brazil experienced the failure of the Fundao Dam More than 30 million cubic meters of water and tailings from iron ore mining were released into the environment 6 Iron ore tailings dam breaks cause serious environmental damage and fatality in humans Tailings impoundments also have the potential to seep Seepage can be prevented or at least minimized by creating an impermeable layer 13 Otherwise acidic and metal bearing waters from tailings can affect aquatic habitats and nearby groundwater 13 Air quality edit The main sources of emissions during both the construction and operation phases include the products of combustion such as nitrous oxide carbon dioxide carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide and fugitive dust from the operation of equipment 14 The main sources of combustion related emissions during both the construction and operation phases are related to diesel generators fuel oil boilers and on site road traffic Fugitive dust emissions can occur during land clearing ground excavation and equipment traffic on site 9 Potential sources of fugitive dust during operation include ore loading and unloading ore crushing stockpile erosion and dust from conveyor systems around the site 1 2 3 Fugitive dust emissions are proportional to the disturbed land area and the level of activity and vary substantially from day to day with varying meteorological conditions 3 The major effects of industrial air pollution on wildlife include direct mortality weakening industrial related injury and disease and physiological and psychological stress 15 Gas and particulate emissions from historical smelting operations have been a source of concern for human health and environmental impacts at some sites Modern smelters use processes that drastically reduce particulate and sulfur dioxide emissions recognizing the importance of minimizing and mitigating this impact Historically sulfur dioxide was the most common source of concern because it reacts with atmospheric water vapor to form sulfuric acid also known as acid rain The acidic conditions that develop in the soils where these emissions precipitate can harm existing vegetation and inhibit the growth of new vegetation The environmental impact of historical smelting has left barren areas near smelting operations Some areas that have been impacted for decades are now beginning to recover Emissions from older metal smelters may have harmed human health in some cases During the operation of lead zinc smelters for example elevated levels of lead in blood have been measured in residents of some communities located near the smelters Smelting operations are now combined with environmental controls to prevent potential environmental and health issues related to emissions 16 Acid rock drainage edit Acid rock drainage is created when water and oxygen interact with sulphur bearing minerals and chemicals in rocks 17 Sulphuric acid is the most common chemical reaction that results from mining activities as the beneficiation process requires dissolving the minerals surrounding the ore which releases metals and chemicals previously bound up in the rock into nearby streams freshwater bodies and the atmosphere 14 1 2 3 Acid is most commonly carried off the mind site by rainwater or surface drainage 18 Many metals become mobile as water becomes more acidic and at high concentrations these metals become toxic to most life forms 14 Approaches to preventing and cleaning up acid mine drainage include reclaiming contaminated land soil removal direct treatment filling in abandoned mines relocating and isolating waste bacteria control diverting water and disposing mine waste underwater 19 nbsp Marshy 7041418469 Wetlands and flora edit This section may contain material not related to the topic of the article Please help improve this section or discuss this issue on the talk page November 2017 Learn how and when to remove this message Some mines require the draining of nearby wetlands for the beneficiation process and the cooling of project machinery which affects downstream water quality and water quantity and flora and fauna 2 Wetlands include bogs fens marsh swamps and shallow water 20 Wetlands serve a number of functional purposes in the biosphere such as collecting and storing surface runoff moderating stream flows reducing natural flooding and erosion cleaning and purifying water recharging groundwater zones and providing habitats for plants and animals 20 21 Wetlands are being altered from their natural state to support alternative land uses such as agriculture urbanization industrial development and recreation 20 Megafauna edit Some animals are more susceptible to change and degradation than others Megafauna including large mammals such as black bears caribou and wolves have shown notable behavioural changes and is sensitive to noise levels caused by iron ore mining and infrastructure projects shortly before and immediately after the young are born and during the rutting season 15 22 23 These disturbance types increase the distances moved by the animals and may effectively decrease reproductive success and cause starvation 23 In addition mining development means new roads and trails are needed for access which greatly impacts wildlife Animals lose their habitats and are made susceptible to overexploitation interrupted migration patterns and lower population sizes 14 It also affects the abundance of food available for these animals since open pit mining requires the removal of topsoil and vegetation which diminishes biodiversity 24 Water quality edit Water is one of the major natural resources that is being polluted by iron ore mining operations 25 In order to achieve sustainability Earth s streams rivers lakes and oceans must remain uncontaminated The extraction of iron ore can cause surface runoff and leachate leading to the pollution of nearby water bodies 26 Iron ore mining pollutes water through metal contamination and heightened sediment levels in streams 27 The risk of contamination increases when iron ore mining exposes metal bearing ores rather than exposing ore bodies naturally through erosion and when mined ores are placed on earth surfaces in mineral dressing processes 28 In the case of Iron Mountain remediation activities took place in 1990 and water samples taken from seeps came back with negative pH values and were considered the most acidic water ever sampled 29 Mining can also have an effect on water before the extraction process During exploration roads may be poorly built resulting in sedimentation which disrupts water quality 18 Overall water quality can be impacted as a result of acid mine drainage heavy metal contamination and leaching processing chemicals pollution and erosion and sedimentation 18 Indigenous communities edit The above environmental issues of iron ore mining have disproportionate impacts on Indigenous communities and they remain vulnerable to mining s impacts as a result of their close relationship to the land water and other natural resources 30 According to a study from Spain s Autonomous University of Barcelona mining has been the cause of 24 7 of environmental conflicts involving Indigenous peoples despite making up only 6 4 of the global population 31 Since the excavation and mineral separation process of mining requires the removal of overburden waste rock and tailings the local surface environment atmosphere and waterways are greatly affected 30 In addition these environmental consequences may persist well after the extractive activities have come to an end At the landscape scale deforestation and new infrastructure generate patchy landscapes that can disrupt local wildlife and vegetation patterns 30 Substantial waste products also contaminate nearby water bodies damaging local fisheries and polluting drinking water 30 In terms of the local atmosphere the process of smelting releases toxic smoke and gasses and the production of slag and ash affecting the health of plants animals and humans 30 While the mining industry has been proven to have some positive social and economic impacts it can also exacerbate already existing mental health and social issues Overall Indigenous land based livelihoods and traditional ways of life are disproportionately affected making it difficult for them to maintain their identity Environmental assessment edit Infrastructure projects must be filed for submission revision and assessment under federal or regional legislation to ensure projects are carried out in a sustainable manner if it is thought to have a significant impact on the natural social or economic environment 20 Depending on the size scope and scale of particular projects they can be assessed on a national or regional level In most countries larger plans are assessed under federal legislation such as the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 and smaller projects are reviewed more locally such as the NL Environmental Protection Act 2010 The purpose of an environmental assessment is to protect the environment and quality of life of the people of the province by facilitating the wise management of the natural resources of the province 20 The environmental assessment process ensures that projects proceed in an environmentally acceptable manner 20 The size and scope of iron ore projects make them subject to environmental assessment at all levels of administrative legislation Since Indigenous populations are especially vulnerable to mining projects it is expected that they are included in this process and have the ability to participate Indigenous led impact assessments ILIA allow Indigenous governing bodies to design and conduct this process and evaluate the impacts according to their values concerns and priorities 32 While an ILIA incorporated similar stages to a state led environmental impact assessment it differs because it reflects the unique locations histories natural resource issues governance systems and place based knowledge of the Indigenous peoples undertaking the assessment 32 Public safety edit Old or abandoned mining sites can be dangerous They may have exposed or hidden entrances to underground workings as well as old intriguing buildings 13 Ground sinking also known as subsidence is another safety concern at some mine sites Where underground workings have come close to the surface the ground may gradually sink 13 An unexpected collapse can happen at any moment without notice therefore these areas are usually identified and are best to be avoided When modern mines close mine owners mitigate such hazards by sealing off mine workings regrading and lowering the steep slopes of surface excavations and salvaging or demolishing buildings and facilities 13 Where old mining areas are common current mine owners government agencies or other interested parties may undertake reclamation and safety mitigation projects to address hazards at these sites 13 These programs serve the purpose of identifying hazards placing warning and no trespassing signs and fencing off dangerous areas As part of these efforts entrances to old underground workings may be closed altogether Some abandoned mine workings have become important bat habitats Mine openings can be closed to allow bats continued access and protection 13 This practice is particularly beneficial to endangered bat species Because many old mine sites may be dangerous the public is advised to exercise caution and avoid entering them Physical disturbances edit The actual mine workings including open pits and waste rock disposal areas cause significant physical disturbances at a mine site Once a mine closes mining facilities that occupy a small area of the disturbed land can either be salvaged or town down 13 The main visual and aesthetic impacts of mining are the open pits and waste rock disposal areas Open pit mining disturbs larger areas than underground mining making the visual impacts much greater 13 In addition the amount of waste rock produced in open pit mines is typically two to three times the amount of ore produced meaning massive amounts of waste rock are removed from the pits and deposited in nearby areas 13 While tailings impoundments leach piles and slag piles do vary in size they are generally quite large 13 Some of the largest mill impoundments such as those at open pit copper mines can cover thousands of acres tens of square kilometres and be several hundred feet about 100 meters thick 13 Heap leach piles can range in size from a few hundred feet about 100 m to hundreds of acres 0 1 to 1 km2 13 References edit a b c Alderon Iron Ore Corp 2011 http www ecc gov nl ca env assessment projects Y2011 1611 index html a b c d Iron Ore Company of Canada 2013 Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project in Labrador West http www ecc gov nl ca env assessment projects Y2013 1711 index html a b c d Labrador Iron Mines Ltd 2010 Schefferville Iron Ore Mine James and Redmond Properties http www ecc gov nl ca env assessment projects Y2010 1379 index html Adolphus Gleekia May 2016 Impacts of Iron Ore Mining on Water Quality and the Environment in Liberia via ResearchGate a b Canada Natural Resources 2018 01 23 Iron ore facts natural resources canada ca Retrieved 2024 02 18 a b c d e Carmignano Ottavio R Vieira Sara S Teixeira Ana Paula C Lameiras Fernando S Brandao Paulo Roberto G Lago Rochel M 2021 10 01 Iron Ore Tailings Characterization and Applications Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society 32 1895 1911 doi 10 21577 0103 5053 20210100 ISSN 0103 5053 Australia Geoscience 2018 05 17 Iron Geoscience Australia Retrieved 2024 02 18 Iron Fact Sheet Australia Government January 23 2008 Archived from the original on 2017 02 18 Retrieved March 23 2017 a b weblinx 2021 10 05 Iron Ore From Mining to Processing to Dust Control Benetech Inc Retrieved 2024 03 22 Wang Changlong Jing Jianlin Qi Yang Zhou Yongxiang Zhang Kaifan Zheng Yongchao Zhai Yuxin Liu Feng 2023 Basic characteristics and environmental impact of iron ore tailings Frontiers in Earth Science 11 Bibcode 2023FrEaS 1181984W doi 10 3389 feart 2023 1181984 ISSN 2296 6463 a b da Silva Ana Paula Valadares Silva Aline Oliveira Lima Francielle Roberta Dias de Benedet Lucas Franco Aline de Jesus Souza Josimara Karina de Ribeiro Junior Alexandre Carvalho Batista Eder Rodrigues Inda Alberto Vasconcellos Curi Nilton Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimaraes Carneiro Marco Aurelio Carbone 2022 12 01 Potentially toxic elements in iron mine tailings Effects of reducing soil pH on available concentrations of toxic elements Environmental Research 215 114321 doi 10 1016 j envres 2022 114321 ISSN 0013 9351 PMID 36222244 Ghose M K Sen P K 1999 Impact on Surface Water Quality due to the Disposal of Tailings from Iron Ore Mines in India PDF Journal of Scientific amp Industrial Research 58 699 704 a b c d e f g h i j k l m How can metal mining impact the environment American Geosciences Institute 2014 11 13 Retrieved 2024 03 23 a b c d Sumi L Thomsen S May 11 2001 Mining in Remote Areas Issues and Impacts A Community Primer PDF Mining Watch Canada a b Newman JR 1979 Effects of industrial air pollution on wildlife Biological Conservation 15 3 181 190 Bibcode 1979BCons 15 181N doi 10 1016 0006 3207 79 90039 9 How can metal mining impact the environment American Geosciences Institute 2014 11 13 Retrieved 2022 06 18 Acid Rock Drainage novascotia ca novascotia ca Retrieved 2024 02 18 a b c Mining and Water Pollution Safe Drinking Water Foundation 2016 12 17 Retrieved 2024 03 23 What can be done to prevent or clean up acid mine drainage American Geosciences Institute 2014 06 17 Retrieved 2024 04 11 a b c d e f Department of Environment and Climate Change n d Policy for Development in Wetlands Water Resources Management Retrieved March 2 2017 from http www ecc gov nl ca waterres regulations policies wetlands html Group N W n d Retrieved March 2 2017 from http www water ncsu edu watershedss info wetlands wetloss html Archived 2017 04 26 at the Wayback Machine Department of Environment and Climate Change n d All Species Retrieved March 2 2017 from http www ecc gov nl ca wildlife all species index html a b Webster L 1997 August caribou Region Wildlife Retrieved March 21 2017 from http www env gov bc ca cariboo env stewardship wildlife caribou mtncar harass impacts pdf permanent dead link Environmental Impacts of Iron Ore Mining UKGBC Retrieved 2024 04 11 Peplow D 1999 Environmental Impacts of Mining in Eastern Washington Center for Water and Watershed Studies Fact Sheet University of Washington Seattle a href Template Cite book html title Template Cite book cite book a CS1 maint location missing publisher link Gleekia Adolphus Sahu Himanshu February 2016 Impacts of iron ore mining on water quality A comparative study of India and Liberia The Mining Geological and Metallurgical Institute of India 371 380 via ResearchGate Gajender Chiluka Jain S C June 2021 Impact assessment of iron ore mining on water quality in and around mining area Case study PDF International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology 08 6 60 71 Garbarino JR Hayes H Roth D Antweider R Brinton TI Taylor H 1995 Contaminants In The Mississippi River Virginia U S A U S Geological Survey Circular 1133 Environmental Effects of Mining Iron Mountain USGS California Water Science Center ca water usgs gov Retrieved 2024 03 23 a b c d e Horowitz Leah Keeling Arn Levesque Francis Rodon Thierry Schott Stephan Theriault Sophie July 2018 Indigenous people s relationships to large sale mining in post colonial contexts Toward multidisciplinary comparative perspectives The Extractive Industries and Society 5 3 404 414 doi 10 1016 j exis 2018 05 004 via Elsevier Science Direct Donaldson Alex 2023 06 19 Mining causes 24 7 of environmental conflict involving indigenous people Mining Technology Retrieved 2024 04 10 a b Nishima Miller Jeff Hanna Kevin November 2022 Indigenous Led Impact Assessment An Introduction Case Studies and Experiences in Indigenous led Impact Assessment UBC Centre for Environmental Assessment Research https ok cear sites olt ubc ca files 2023 01 Indigenous Led Impact Assessment An Introduction CEAR UBC pdf Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Environmental impact of iron ore mining amp oldid 1219682632, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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