AMSJ » ENVIRONMENT » Page 8

Category - ENVIRONMENT

Environmental management now dominates a range of activities performed by mining companies globally. Mature mine operates recognise that their ‘license to operate’ is often determined by their past environmental performance and future plans to ensure that the environment impacted by mining operations is returned to, at the very least, pre-mining conditions.

Mining Environmental Issues and impacts of mining can occur at various stages of the mining life cycle. Exploration, Construction, Mining Operations, Closure and Remediation.

The environmental hazards of each activity and the impact of those activities can be determined by a range of factors including:

  • The ore being mined;
  • Characteristics of the ore body and its proximity to high impact areas;
  • Ecosystem existing prior to mining activities and its’ sensitivity to the impact of mining operations;
  • Methods of mining:
  • Equipment used in the mining process including but not limited to production and ore processing equipment.

Typically the primary environmental concerns from mining activities include acid mine drainage, heavy metal contamination from leaching, chemical pollution from processing activities and control of erosion and sedimentation, dust deposition and environmental noise, however, there may be other impacts.

Effective environmental management in mining controls the impact of the mining activity in relation to the contamination of air, land and water and the subsequent impact of changes to the normalised conditions on the surrounding ecosystem.

Mining environmental issues management also interfaces with safety management in many organisations. Through understanding the impacts of the environment on personnel and the ecosystem in which they operate, miners may continue to build a sustainable industry.

Australasian Mine Safety Journal provides a range of information, case studies and news on the environmental issues and impacts of mining.

Coal mining QRC

Qld coal will be phased out by 2035 says authority

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Peabody Energy mine

Mining giant penalised for ‘dangerous’ coal mine

A multinational resources producer was widely criticised for failing to provide a safe work environment. A Peabody Energy entity was recently penalised after management did not stop work after...

Volvo electric driverless truck

Mining giant approves electric driverless trucks

A multinational resources company will roll out autonomous and environmentally friendly heavy vehicles. Rio Tinto recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Volvo Group to pilot electric...

Sandvik underground electric truck

Employer unveils zero emission electric truck

A multinational company revealed its latest eco friendly, battery powered heavy vehicle. Sandvik recently launched what is billed to be the world’s largest capacity electric truck. The TH665B...

Cadia mine

Resources giant fined, ordered to ‘do better’

A multinational mining company was penalised and told to improve due to multiple safety concerns. Newcrest Mining was caught repeatedly failing to adequately mitigate dust at its Cadia mine, 28km...

Sandvik battery powered loader

Two mine sites add battery powered vehicles

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Cadia mine

Mining giant evacuates workers due to ‘instability’

A multinational mineral producer ordered every employee to leave their posts immediately at a Central West operation. Newcrest Mining recently evacuated underground workers at its Cadia Hill Mine in...

Tembo electric light vehicle

Rinehart approves electrifying mine vehicle fleet

A mining magnate will transition away from diesel at multiple operations. Gina Rinehart’s Atlas Iron recently approved converting its light vehicle fleet to electric power. The entity owned by...

Komatsu electric tunnel boring machine

Zero emissions machine works without blasting

A foreign mine equipment company claims its new machine operates underground without harming the environment, or requiring explosives. Japan-headquartered Komatsu recently confirmed it will trial a...