Journal articles on the topic 'Environmental impact of gold mines and mining'
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1
Fritz, Benjamin, Carin Aichele, and Mario Schmidt. "Environmental impact of high-value gold scrap recycling." International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment 25, no. 10 (August 25, 2020): 1930–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11367-020-01809-6.
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Abstract Purpose The gold routes satisfying the global gold supply are mining (74%), recycling of high-value gold (23%), and electronic scraps (3%). Besides its applications in the investment, jewelry, and industrial sector, gold also has a bad image. The gold production in industrial as well as artisanal and small-scale mines creates negative impacts such as resource depletion, extensive chemical use, toxic emissions, high energy consumption, and social concerns that are of great importance. On the other hand, almost all gold is recycled and has historically always been. In common life cycle assessment (LCA) databases, there is no data on recycling of high-value gold available. This article attempts to answer the question what the ecological benefits of this recycling are. Method In this study, we were able to collect process data on the most commonly used high-value gold scrap recycling process, the aqua regia method, from several state-of-the-art German refineries. With this data, life cycle inventories were created and a life cycle model was produced to finally generate life cycle impacts of high-value gold scrap recycling. Results This study contains the corresponding inventories and thus enables other interested parties to use these processes for their own LCA studies. The results show that high-value gold scrap recycling has a considerably lower environmental impact than electronic gold scrap recycling and mining. For example, high-value gold scrap recycling in Germany results in a cumulative energy demand (CED) of 820 MJ and a global warming potential (GWP) of 53 kg-CO2-Eq. per kg gold. In comparison, common datasets indicate CED and GWP levels of nearly 8 GJ and 1 t-CO2-Eq. per kg gold, respectively, for electronic scrap recycling and levels of 240 GJ and 16 t-CO2-Eq. per kg gold, respectively, for mining. Conclusion The results show that buying gold from precious metal recycling facilities with high technological standards and a reliable origin of the recycling material is about 300 times better than primary production.
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Usman Kaku, Dawuda, Yonghong Cao, Yousef Ahmed Al-Masnay, and Jean Claude Nizeyimana. "An Integrated Approach to Assess the Environmental Impacts of Large-Scale Gold Mining: The Nzema-Gold Mines in the Ellembelle District of Ghana as a Case Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 13 (July 1, 2021): 7044. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18137044.
Abstract:
The mining industry is a significant asset to the development of countries. Ghana, Africa’s second-largest gold producer, has benefited from gold mining as the sector generates about 90% of the country’s total exports. Just like all industries, mining is associated with benefits and risks to indigenes and the host environment. Small-scale miners are mostly accused in Ghana of being environmentally disruptive, due to their modes of operations. As a result, this paper seeks to assess the environmental impacts of large-scale gold mining with the Nzema Mines in Ellembelle as a case study. The study employs a double-phase mixed-method approach—a case study approach, consisting of site visitation, key informant interviews, questionnaires, and literature reviews, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis method. The NDVI analysis shows that agricultural land reduced by −0.98%, while the bare area increases by 5.21% between the 2008 and 2015 periods. Our results show that forest reserves and bare area were reduced by −4.99% and −29%, respectively, while residential areas increased by 28.17% between 2015 and 2020. Vegetation, land, air, and water quality are highly threatened by large-scale mining in the area. Weak enforcement of mining policies, ineffective stakeholder institution collaborations, and limited community participation in decision-making processes were also noticed during the study. The authors conclude by giving recommendations to help enhance sustainable mining and ensure environmental sustainability in the district and beyond.
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Marshall, Bruce Gavin, Arlette Andrea Camacho, Gabriel Jimenez, and Marcello Mariz Veiga. "Mercury Challenges in Mexico: Regulatory, Trade and Environmental Impacts." Atmosphere 12, no. 1 (December 31, 2020): 57. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/atmos12010057.
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Primary artisanal mercury (Hg) mining in Mexico continues to proliferate unabated, while official Hg exports have declined in recent years amid speculation of a rising black market trade. In this paper, an assessment of primary Hg mining in Mexico was conducted, with a focus on four sites in Querétaro State. Atmospheric Hg concentrations were measured at two of those sites. In addition, trade data was examined, including Hg exports from Mexico and imports by countries that have a large artisanal gold mining (AGM) sector. Results showed that while annual Hg production in Mexico has ramped up in recent years, official Hg exports reduced from 307 tonnes in 2015 to 63 tonnes in 2019. Since 2010, mercury exports to Colombia, Peru and Bolivia have represented 77% of Mexico’s total Hg trade. As the large majority of Hg trade with these countries is apparently destined for the AGM sector, which is contrary to Article 3 of the Minamata Convention, there is evidence that increased international scrutiny has led to an increase in unregulated international transfers. Atmospheric Hg concentrations at the mines show dangerously high levels, raising concern over the risk of significant health impacts to miners and other community members.
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Ralph, Obase, Ngoran Gilles, Nde Fon, Henry Luma, and Ngwane Greg. "Impact of Artisanal Gold Mining on Human Health and the Environment in the Batouri Gold District, East Cameroon." Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 7, no. 1 (March 1, 2018): 25–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/ajis-2018-0003.
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Abstract There is no Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) system for the mining sector in Cameroon, and miners are exposed to numerous health and safety risks inherent from Artisanal Gold Mining (AGM) activity. Also very few studies have addressed the health problems in AGM in Cameroon. This study seeks to create an awareness of the health and environmental issues surrounding the mining sector in Cameroon so as to foster its development. It was a cross-sectional, observational, and communitybased study involving 273 respondents from three different communities. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. OHS risk assessment was conducted through direct observation and inspection of five different workplaces. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of mercury and lead. Gold miners in Batouri are exposed to the risk of physical injuries, respiratory conditions, diarrheal conditions, psychotic disorders, dermatophyte infections, helminthic infestations, malaria and musculoskeletal problems. The most common health problems among miners are musculoskeletal disorders (35.6%), malaria (26.4%) and hernias (14.9%), while malaria (18.7%) and musculoskeletal disorders (15.4%) are common among stakeholders. The mean blood mercury and lead levels among miners is 2.27 ± 8.85 μg/L and 12.73 ± 32.73 μg/L respectively, and 9.1% of them are chronically intoxicated with mercury, reporting ≥ 4 symptoms possibly related to mercury intoxication. The major environmental problems are deforestation, land degradation, water pollution, air pollution and water-logged pits. AGM in Batouri, therefore, has a negative impact on human health and environmental sustainability.
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Kimijima, Satomi, Masayuki Sakakibara, Masahiko Nagai, and Nurfitri Abdul Gafur. "Time-Series Assessment of Camp-Type Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Sectors with Large Influxes of Miners Using LANDSAT Imagery." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 18 (September 7, 2021): 9441. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189441.
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Mining sites development have had a significant impact on local socioeconomic conditions, the environment, and sustainability. However, the transformation of camp-type artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sites with large influxes of miners from different regions has not been properly evaluated, owing to the closed nature of the ASGM sector. Here, we use remote sensing imagery and field investigations to assess ASGM sites with large influxes of miners living in mining camps in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province, Indonesia, in 1995–2020. Built-up areas were identified as indicators of transformation of camp-type ASGM sites, using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, from the time series of images obtained using Google Earth Engine, then correlated with the prevalent gold market price. An 18.6-fold increase in built-up areas in mining camps was observed in 2020 compared with 1995, which correlated with increases in local gold prices. Field investigations showed that miner influx also increased after increases in gold prices. These findings extend our understanding of the rate and scale of development in the closed ASGM sector and the driving factors behind these changes. Our results provide significant insight into the potential rates and levels of socio-environmental pollution at local and community levels.
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Eshun, P. Arroja, and E. Okyere. "Assessment of the Challenges in Policy Implementation in the Small Scale Gold Mining Sector in Ghana – A Case Study." Ghana Mining Journal 17, no. 1 (June 30, 2017): 54–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gm.v17i1.6.
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In recent times, stakeholders in the mining sector have expressed concerns about the environmental degradation and the social impacts of uncontrolled Small Scale Mining (SSM) activities in Ghana despite the existence of legislative instruments that define the procedures required for the acquisition of licences and operations of SSM activities in the country. This paper assesses the challenges in policy implementation in the small scale gold mining sector of Ghana by reviewing policies on regularisation and environmental management. It further identifies challenges faced by small scale mining operators in adhering to laid down policies for the smooth operation of the sector and furthermore assesses the views of some principal stakeholders on the benefits and challenges of small scale mining using the Dunkwa mining district as a test case. The methods employed include: field visits to some small scale mining sites within the Dunkwa mining district; interviews and questionnaire administration; and statistical and content analysis of data. The study reveals the following factors, among others, to have contributed largely to the difficulty in regularisation, environmental and social challenges that have plagued the SSM sector: low level of education of majority of miners; bureaucracies and centralisation of licence acquisition processes; lack of sources of finance for SSM projects; lack of geological information on mineable areas; and lack of adequate knowledge of the laws and regulations on mining and environment. In addressing the challenges the following recommendations are made: decentralisation of the regularisation processes to simplify licence acquisition; adequate geological investigations should be undertaken on SSM blocked-out areas to reduce the try and error mining approach adopted by miners; and continuous education and training of miners on good mining and environmental practices. Keywords: Small Scale Mining, Mineral Policies, Environmental Impact, Regularisation, Challenges
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Orihuela, José Carlos, and Victor Gamarra-Echenique. "Fading local effects: boom and bust evidence from a Peruvian gold mine." Environment and Development Economics 25, no. 2 (October 18, 2019): 182–203. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1355770x19000330.
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AbstractThe local effects of mining might simply come and go with mine production. In this paper we revisit Aragón and Rud's (2013) study of the Yanacocha mine, frequently cited to account for local economic effects and backward linkages, but we offer a more nuanced interpretation: first, effects fade with the mine exhaustion; and second, impacts are the result of consumption boom-and-bust dynamics. While we find it more conceptually accurate to reserve the concept of backward linkages for effects of a productive nature, our evidence reveals that unskilled services is the one sector that benefits, in contrast to manufactures and skilled services. We stress that impact evaluations of mines are contingent to time and place, and contend that exploring the extent to which multipliers generate spillovers is central. The short-run effects of a mine might in fact give little indication of how to tell or make a blessing from a curse.
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Jorgenson, Mica, and John Sandlos. "Dust versus Dust: Aluminum Therapy and Silicosis in the Canadian and Global Mining Industries." Canadian Historical Review 102, no. 1 (March 2021): 1–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.3138/chr-2019-0049.
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By the 1930s, silicosis – a debilitating lung disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust – had reached epidemic proportions among miners in the gold-producing Porcupine region of northern Ontario. In response, industrial doctors at the McIntyre Mine began to test aluminum powder as a possible prophylactic against the effects of silica dust. In 1944, the newly created McIntyre Research Foundation began distributing aluminum powder throughout Canada and exported this new therapy to mines across the globe. The practice continued until the 1980s despite a failure to replicate preventative effects of silicosis and emerging evidence of adverse neurological impacts among long-time recipients of aluminum therapy. Situated at the intersection of labour, health, science, and environmental histories, this article argues that aluminum therapy represents an extreme and important example where industry and health researchers collaborated on quick-fix “miracle cures” rather than the systemic (and more expensive) changes to the underground environment necessary to reduce the risk of silicosis.
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Macera, Margarita, Bruno De Meulder, and Kelly Shannon. "Cajamarca: Mapping (Post)Mining Palimpsests of the Peruvian Andes." Urban Planning 5, no. 2 (June 30, 2020): 172–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.17645/up.v5i2.2797.
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Mining, in addition to other human activities and natural phenomena, has repeatedly reshaped the landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Long-standing, significantly modified and new Andean landscapes have resulted in a complex reading of the ‘land as palimpsest’ (Corboz, 1983). In recent decades, large-scale modern mining has disturbed headwater landscapes and broader Andean ecologies, as exemplified in Cajamarca’s gold mines. This article critically reads past and present spatial transformations induced by gold mining in the headwaters of the Cajamarca Basin. Through archival documentation, fieldwork and interpretative cartography, it analyses the large-scale surface mining operations in Cajamarca from 1993 to 2020, as well as their impact on downstream rural and urban ecologies. A cross-scalar mapping investigation discloses the spatial-ecological outcomes of twenty-seven years of mining (and closure) operational procedures. As a conclusion of the palimpsest reading, a design-research question is posed as to how Cajamarca’s post-mining landscapes can be opportunely premeditated. It hypothesizes that, already during exploitation, the post-mining landscapes can be consciously constructed by an intelligent manipulation of mining procedures and create a layer of the territory that is more robust. Environmental reconstruction after mining closure recreates a pseudo-natural environment that supposedly erases the traces of mining and restores natural condition—literally back to nature, with no cultural trace. In this regard, reconstruction is merely theoretical since the repairing to a natural state would mean no palimpsests. However, despite the most imaginative and ecological repair, the territory remains a mega palimpsest, cruelly violated and disrupted. Therefore, at best, the proposition can be to build a cultural, consciously conceived and tailored post-mining landscape, merging mining and post-mining landscape construction into one movement, where the remaining (palimpsest) is part-and-parcel of the newly constructed.
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Demers, Paul A., Colin Berriault, Avinash Ramkissoon, Minh T. Do, Nancy Lightfoot, Xiaoke Zeng, and Victoria Arrandale. "O6B.2 Cancer risk by ore type in a mixed miners cohort." Occupational and Environmental Medicine 76, Suppl 1 (April 2019): A53.2—A53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/oem-2019-epi.143.
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Background and objectivesMining may involve exposure to many carcinogens, including respirable crystalline silica (RSC), diesel engine exhaust (DEE), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), radon (Rn), and arsenic (As), which vary by ore being mined. The province of Ontario, Canada has a diverse mining sector with associated exposures including gold (RSC/DEE/As/Cr), uranium (RSC/DEE/Rn), and nickel-copper (DEE/Ni), and other ores (RSC/DEE). The study aim was to examine the risk of cancer by ore type in a mixed mining cohort.MethodsFrom 1928–1987 workers in the Ontario minerals industry were required to undergo an annual physical examination and chest x-ray, as well as record their mining work history in order to receive certification. Data from these exams was used to create the Mining Master File (MMF) cohort. Cancers were identified through linkage of the MMF with the Ontario Cancer Registry (1964–2017). Cancer risk among miners was compared to provincial rates using Standardized Incidence Ratios (SIR); internal analyses were conducted using Poisson regression.ResultsIndividuals who died or were lost before 1964, had missing or invalid data, or employment of less than two weeks were excluded. Too few women (n=161) were available for analysis. In total, 61 397 men were included in the analysis. Gold miners had excesses of lung (SIR=1.30, 95%CI=1.23–1.38) and nasopharyngeal cancer (SIR=2.34, 95%CI=1.39–3.70). Uranium miners had excesses of lung (SIR=1.57, 95%CI=1.45–1.70), bladder (SIR=1.20, 95%CI=1.02–1.40), and bone (SIR=2.45, 95%CI=1.30–4.19) cancers. Nickel-copper miners had excesses of lung (SIR=1.13, 95%CI=1.08–1.19), bone (SIR=2.02, 95%CI=1.32–2.96), and sinonasal cancer (SIR=1.73, 95%CI=1.12–2.56).ConclusionsIncreased risks for specific cancers were observed among people who mined many different ore types. Most of the associations were as expected, but several (e.g., bone cancers) will undergo further investigation. Future analyses will examine the impact of combined exposures among miners of multiple ore types.
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Cocco, Luisanna, Roberto Tonelli, and Michele Marchesi. "An Agent Based Model to Analyze the Bitcoin Mining Activity and a Comparison with the Gold Mining Industry." Future Internet 11, no. 1 (January 2, 2019): 8. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/fi11010008.
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In this paper, we present an analysis of the mining process of two popular assets, Bitcoin and gold. The analysis highlights that Bitcoin, more specifically its underlying technology, is a “safe haven” that allows facing the modern environmental challenges better than gold. Our analysis emphasizes that crypto-currencies systems have a social and economic impact much smaller than that of the traditional financial systems. We present an analysis of the several stages needed to produce an ounce of gold and an artificial agent-based market model simulating the Bitcoin mining process and allowing the quantification of Bitcoin mining costs. In this market model, miners validate the Bitcoin transactions using the proof of work as the consensus mechanism, get a reward in Bitcoins, sell a fraction of them to cover their expenses, and stay competitive in the market by buying and divesting hardware units and adjusting their expenses by turning off/on their machines according to the signals provided by a technical analysis indicator, the so-called relative strength index.
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Mello, Jaime Wilson Vargas de, Luiz Eduardo Dias, Alfredo Mucci Daniel, Walter Antonio Pereira Abrahão, Eleonora Deschamps, and Carlos Ernesto G. Reynald Schaefer. "Preliminary evaluation of acid mine drainage in Minas Gerais State, Brazil." Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 30, no. 2 (April 2006): 365–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0100-06832006000200016.
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Mining in the State of Minas Gerais-Brazil is one of the activities with the strongest impact on the environment, in spite of its economical importance. Amongst mining activities, acid drainage poses a serious environmental problem due to its widespread practice in gold-extracting areas. It originates from metal-sulfide oxidation, which causes water acidification, increasing the risk of toxic element mobilization and water resource pollution. This research aimed to evaluate the acid drainage problem in Minas Gerais State. The study began with a bibliographic survey at FEAM (Environment Foundation of Minas Gerais State) to identify mining sites where sulfides occur. Substrate samples were collected from these sites to determine AP (acidity potential) and NP (neutralization potential). The AP was evaluated by the procedure of the total sulfide content and by oxygen peroxide oxidation, followed by acidity titration. The NP was evaluated by the calcium carbonate equivalent. Petrographic thin sections were also mounted and described with a special view to sulfides and carbonates. Based on the chemical analysis, the acid-base accounting (ABA) was determined by the difference of AP and NP, and the acid drainage potential obtained by the ABA value and the total volume of material at each site. Results allowed the identification of substrates with potential to generate acid drainage in Minas Gerais state. Altogether these activities represent a potential to produce between 3.1 to 10.4 billions of m³ of water at pH 2 or 31.4 to 103.7 billions of m³ of water at pH 3. This, in turn, would imply in costs of US$ 7.8 to 25.9 millions to neutralize the acidity with commercial limestone. These figures are probably underestimated because some mines were not surveyed, whereas, in other cases, surface samples may not represent reality. A more reliable state-wide evaluation of the acid drainage potential would require further studies, including a larger number of samples. Such investigations should consider other mining operations beyond the scope of this study as well as the kinetics of the acid generation by simulated weathering procedures.
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Tost, Michael, Benjamin Bayer, Michael Hitch, Stephan Lutter, Peter Moser, and Susanne Feiel. "Metal Mining’s Environmental Pressures: A Review and Updated Estimates on CO2 Emissions, Water Use, and Land Requirements." Sustainability 10, no. 8 (August 14, 2018): 2881. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su10082881.
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The significant increase in metal mining and the inevitability of the continuation of this trend suggests that environmental pressures, as well as related impacts, have become an issue of global relevance. Yet the scale of the impact remains, to a large extent, unknown. This paper examines the mining sector’s demands on CO2 emissions, water use, as well as demands on land use focusing on four principal metals: iron, aluminium (i.e., bauxite ore), copper, and gold. These materials represent a large proportion of all metallic materials mined in terms of crude tonnage and economic value. This paper examines how the main providers of mining data, the United Nations, government sources of some main metal producing and consuming countries, the scientific literature, and company reports report environmental pressures in these three areas. The authors conclude that, in the global context, the pressure brought about by metal mining is relatively low. The data on this subject are still very limited and there are significant gaps in consistency on criteria such as boundary descriptions, input parameter definitions, and allocation method descriptions as well as a lack of commodity and/or site specific reporting of environmental data at a company level.
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Chopard, Marion, Mermillod-Blondin, Plante, and Benzaazoua. "Environmental Impact of Mine Exploitation: An Early Predictive Methodology Based on Ore Mineralogy and Contaminant Speciation." Minerals 9, no. 7 (June 28, 2019): 397. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/min9070397.
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Mining wastes containing sulfide minerals can generate contaminated waters as acid mine drainage (AMD) and contaminated neutral drainage (CND). This occurs when such minerals are exposed to oxygen and water. Nowadays, mineralogical work—when it is done—is independently and differentially done according to the needs of the exploration, geotechnics, metallurgy or environment department, at different stages in the mine development process. Moreover, environmental impact assessments (EIA) are realized late in the process and rarely contain pertinent mineralogical characterization on ores and wastes, depending on countries’ regulations. Contaminant-bearing minerals are often not detected at an early stage of the mine life cycle and environmental problems could occur during production or once the mine has come to the end of its productive life. This work puts forward a more reliable methodology, based on mineralogical characterization of the ore at the exploration stages, which, in turn, will be useful for each stage of the mining project and limit the unforeseen environmental or metallurgical issues. Three polymetallic sulfide ores and seven gold deposits from various origins around the world were studied. Crushed ore samples representing feed ore of advanced projects and of production mines were used to validate the methodology with realistic cases. The mineralogical methodology consisted in chemical assays and XRD, optical microscopy, SEM and EPMA were done. Five of the ores were also submitted to geochemical tests to compare mineralogical prediction results with their experimental leaching behavior. Major, minor, and trace minerals were identified, quantified, and the bearing minerals were examined for the polluting elements (and valuables). The main conclusion is that detailed mineralogical work can avert redundant work, save time and money, and allow detection of the problems at the beginning of the mine development phase, improving waste management and closure planning.
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Nasser, Nawaf A., R. Timothy Patterson, Jennifer M. Galloway, and Hendrik Falck. "Intra-lake response of Arcellinida (testate lobose amoebae) to gold mining-derived arsenic contamination in northern Canada: Implications for environmental monitoring." PeerJ 8 (May 4, 2020): e9054. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9054.
Abstract:
Arcellinida (testate lobose amoebae) were examined from 40 near-surface sediment samples (top 0.5 cm) from two lakes impacted by arsenic (As) contamination associated with legacy gold mining in subarctic Canada. The objectives of the study are two folds: quantify the response of Arcellinida to intra-lake variability of As and other physicochemical controls, and evaluate whether the impact of As contamination derived from two former gold mines, Giant Mine (1938–2004) and Tundra Mine (1964–1968 and 1983–1986), on the Arcellinida distribution in both lakes is comparable or different. Cluster analysis and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) were used to identify Arcellinida assemblages in both lakes, and redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to quantify the relationship between the assemblages, As, and other geochemical and sedimentological parameters. Cluster analysis and NMDS revealed four distinct arcellinidan assemblages in Frame Lake (assemblages 1–4) and two in Hambone Lake (assemblages 5 and 6): (1) Extreme As Contamination (EAC) Assemblage; (2) High calcium (HC) Assemblage; (3) Moderate As Contamination (MAC) assemblages; (4) High Nutrients (HN) Assemblage; (5) High Diversity (HD) Assemblage; and (6) Centropyxis aculeata (CA) Assemblage. RDA analysis showed that the faunal structure of the Frame Lake assemblages was controlled by five variables that explained 43.2% of the total faunal variance, with As (15.8%), Olsen phosphorous (Olsen-P; 10.5%), and Ca (9.5%) being the most statistically significant (p < 0.004). Stress-tolerant arcellinidan taxa were associated with elevated As concentrations (e.g., EAC and MAC; As concentrations range = 145.1–1336.6 mg kg−1; n = 11 samples), while stress-sensitive taxa thrived in relatively healthier assemblages found in substrates with lower As concentrations and higher concentrations of nutrients, such as Olsen-P and Ca (e.g., HC and HM; As concentrations range = 151.1–492.3 mg kg−1; n = 14 samples). In contrast, the impact of As on the arcellinidan distribution was not statistically significant in Hambone Lake (7.6%; p-value = 0.152), where the proportion of silt (24.4%; p-value = 0.005) and loss-on-ignition-determined minerogenic content (18.5%; p-value = 0.021) explained a higher proportion of the total faunal variance (58.4%). However, a notable decrease in arcellinidan species richness and abundance and increase in the proportions of stress-tolerant fauna near Hambone Lake’s outlet (e.g., CA samples) is consistent with a spatial gradient of higher sedimentary As concentration near the outlet, and suggests a lasting, albeit weak, As influence on Arcellinida distribution in the lake. We interpret differences in the influence of sedimentary As concentration on Arcellinida to differences in the predominant As mineralogy in each lake, which is in turn influenced by differences in ore-processing at the former Giant (roasting) and Tundra mines (free-milling).
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Hoedoafia, Mabel A., Benjamin Spears Ngmekpele Cheabu, and Vida Korang. "The Effects of Small Scale Gold Mining on Living Conditions: A Case Study of the West Gonja District of Ghana." International Journal of Social Science Research 2, no. 1 (March 11, 2014): 151. http://dx.doi.org/10.5296/ijssr.v2i1.4701.
Abstract:
In recent times, there has been a surge in small scale mining activities in Ghana which has made significant contributions to the national gold output, foreign exchange earnings, and employment among others. This paper investigated the impact of small scale gold mining on the living conditions of the people of the West Gonja District in the Northern Region of Ghana. The research involved: (a) the determination of gender and generation roles in small scale mining activities; (b) the determination of the effect of mining activities on employment, education, health, agriculture and cost of living of the people in the district and (c) The identification of the areas of interventions that will eradicate the negative effects of small scale gold mining in the district. Data of sampled households in four communities in Damongo was gathered and analyzed. The research methods included; semi structured interviews, validated self-administered questionnaires and observations. Sampling of communities and households was done using a combination of stratified and simple random sampling procedures. The study revealed varied effects with respect to small scale miners and the general community. Small scale mining has contributed positively in improving the lives of the people in the form of employment, revenue generation and meeting health, educational and basic family needs. It also confirmed the associated social, and environmental negative effects of small scale mining. The paper concludes that in the absence of a viable alternative source of economic livelihood, the West Gonja District Assembly should organize small scale miners into groups, assist them to acquire equipment needed for their operations and regularly monitor and control their activities.
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Arthur, Francis, Williams Agyemang-Duah, Razak Mohammed Gyasi, Joseph Yaw Yeboah, and Evans Otieku. "Nexus between Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining and Livelihood in Prestea Mining Region, Ghana." Journal of Mining 2015 (2015): 1–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/493580.
Abstract:
Drawing on the DFID’s sustainable livelihood framework, this paper explores the nexus between artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and livelihood in Prestea mining region, Ghana. A cross-sectional mixed method survey involving simple random and purposively sampled participants (N=151) was carried out. The results suggest both positive and negative relationships between ASM and livelihoods of the people. The study found various livelihood assets associated with ASM and how critical assets are adversely affected by ASM activities. Limited employment opportunities in rural areas (82%), economic hardships/poverty situations of people (59%), and “quick” income earnings from ASM (90%) were the major factors that influenced people to combine and use their personal assets to enable them to engage in ASM. ASM contributes to the livelihood enhancement through income generation, increased well-being and asset acquisition (50.7%), reduced vulnerabilities (31.1%), and empowerment of people (19.2%) to establish other economic activities. However, the small-scale miners and farmers as well as farmlands, forest, and water resources are most vulnerable to adverse effects of ASM activities. Accidents of various degrees, diseases, and death were the shocks in ASM. Regarding the massive impact of ASM on employment creation and poverty reduction in rural communities, it is recommended that stakeholders recast Ghana’s mineral policy to ensure concurrent environmental sustainability and socioeconomic development.
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Arthur, Francis, Williams Agyemang-Duah, Razak Mohammed Gyasi, Joseph Yaw Yeboah, and Evans Otieku. "Nexus between Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining and Livelihood in Prestea Mining Region, Ghana." Geography Journal 2016 (January 12, 2016): 1–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/1605427.
Abstract:
Drawing on the DFID’s sustainable livelihood framework, this paper explores the nexus between artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and livelihood in Prestea mining region, Ghana. A cross-sectional mixed method survey involving simple random and purposively sampled participants (N=151) was carried out. The results suggest both positive and negative relationships between ASM and livelihoods of the people. The study found various livelihood assets associated with ASM and how critical assets are adversely affected by ASM activities. Limited employment opportunities in rural areas (82%), economic hardships/poverty situations of people (59%), and “quick” income earnings from ASM (90%) were the major factors that influenced people to combine and use their personal assets to enable them to engage in ASM. ASM contributes to the livelihood enhancement through income generation, increased well-being and asset acquisition (50.7%), reduced vulnerabilities (31.1%), and empowerment of people (19.2%) to establish other economic activities. However, the small-scale miners and farmers as well as farmlands, forest, and water resources are most vulnerable to adverse effects of ASM activities. Accidents of various degrees, diseases, and death were the shocks in ASM. Regarding the massive impact of ASM on employment creation and poverty reduction in rural communities, it is recommended that stakeholders recast Ghana’s mineral policy to ensure concurrent environmental sustainability and socioeconomic development.
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Habibia, Alif Maulida, Ferry Yundiarto, Hen Sania, Karimah Permata Arinda Putri, and Wia Bunga Ramadhan. "Penyakit Parkinson Akibat Merkuri pada Pekerja Penambangan Emas Skala Kecil." CoMPHI Journal: Community Medicine and Public Health of Indonesia Journal 2, no. 1 (March 7, 2021): 170–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.37148/comphijournal.v2i1.31.
Abstract:
Introduction: Parkinson's disease is one of the fastest-growing diseases in terms of prevalence, disability, and mortality. Exposure to environmental toxic substances, such as mercury (Hg) can increase the risk of neuronal damage and neurodegenerative diseases. Purpose: The purpose of writing this article is to determine the impact of mercury exposure on the incidence of Parkinson's disease in small-scale gold mining workers. Methods: The author searches for material through the Google Scholars, NCBI, and ScienceDirect search pages by limiting the journals published in 2015-2020. In this review, the authors conducted a study of 33 scientific articles. Results: The small-scale gold mining industry is the largest source of mercury emissions in the world. Mercury gas has a negative impact on the lungs, kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Gold miners have a very high likelihood of being exposed to metallic mercury and suffering occupational mercury intoxication. Discussion: Mercury is known to be a neurotoxin that can cause neuron death and damage to the substantia nigra and other basal ganglia nuclei. Acute mercury exposure can cause tremors, memory loss, respiratory distress, and even death. Gold miners are a group that is exposed to a lot of mercury and suffers from work-induced mercury intoxication. Conclusion: Mercury-induced parkinsonism can be identified because of its predilection for accumulation and palladium and striatum damage such as damage to the substantia nigra pars in Parkinson's disease.
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Pohan, Chairil Anwar. "CADANGAN REKLAMASI PERTAMBANGAN SEBAGAI LOOPHOLES PAJAK DALAM PENERAPAN PRINSIP TAXABILITY-DEDUCTIBILITY." Transparansi Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Administrasi 6, no. 2 (March 6, 2018): 181–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.31334/trans.v6i2.41.
Abstract:
Ironic look messy mining face in this country and so much troublesome services of government officials, especially in the mining region of area businesses amid rampant mining minerals (Gold, Tin, Copper, Nickel, etc.) and coal were carried out by the Investor, the resultant investment offers little value added contribution on state revenues, whereas post-exploitation or post-mining closure leaves holes gaping tailings left just by miners, resulting in environmental degradation, social inequality and other things that have a negative impact that brings enormous material losses for the country and society, which never should have happened because of the taxation aspects of the government actually had anticipated that the mining activities should be facilitated by the provisioning cost of reclamation in mining production activities are underway, the reserve for reclamation explicitly accommodated as accounts exclusion in Article 9, paragraph 1 of Income Tax Law, that the taxation treatment is a cost that can be a deduction from gross income.
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Lopez Bravo, Marcelo, Jovanny Santos Luna, Cesar Quezada Abad, Marisela Segura Osorio, and Johny Perez Rodriguez. "Actividad minera y su impacto en la salud humana / The mining and its impact on human health." Ciencia Unemi 9, no. 17 (June 7, 2016): 92. http://dx.doi.org/10.29076/issn.2528-7737vol9iss17.2016pp92-100p.
Abstract:
La minería es el principal rubro económico que genera divisas para Ecuador, sin embargo, el arduo trabajo ergonómico y el uso de sustancias químicas afectan al ecosistema y la salud humana. Los metales pesados poseen características específicas de bioacumulación y biodisponibilidad en el organismo humano, alterando la fisiología de la sinapsis neuronal, membrana alveolo respiratoria, aparato locomotor así como alteraciones en el sistema genético y displasias celulares. Por lo que el estudio examina los efectos en la salud del individuo y su relación con la actividad minera, mediante la exposición a contaminantes tóxicos determinados como factores de riesgo para los mineros, población del cantón Portovelo provincia de El Oro-Ecuador. Esta actividad tradicionalmente la realizan sin observar medidas de bioseguridad tanto en la mina, túneles estrechos y calurosos, en el trasporte del material, también en las plantas de beneficio, donde se procesan obtienen el oro, plata y otros metales, convirtiéndose en peligro constante. Los resultados revelan problemas de salud que afectan al aparato locomotor, sistema nervioso y problemas congénitos. Su severidad está dada por la dosis, la edad, la duración, las vías de exposición, y factores ambientales, nutricionales y genéticos. AbstractMining is the main economic sector that generates incomes for Ecuador; however, the hard ergonomic work and use of chemicals affect the ecosystem and human health. Heavy metals have specific characteristics of bioaccumulation and bioavailability in the human body by altering the physiology of neuronal synapses, respiratory alveolar membrane, locomotor system and alterations in the genetic system and cell dysplasia. So this study examines the effects on human health of individuals and their relation to mining activities by exposure to certain toxic pollutants as risk factors for miners, population of Portovelo Canton, province of El Oro-Ecuador. This activity is traditionally performed without following biosecurity actions both in the mine, narrow and hot tunnels, in the transport of material, also in processing plants where gold, silver, and other metals are processed becoming constant danger. The results of this study show health problems affecting the locomotor system, nervous system and congenital problems. Its severity depends on the dose, age, time of exposure, ways of exposure and environmental, nutritional and genetic factors.
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Puluhulawa, Fenty, and Amanda Adelina Harun. "Policy formalization of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) post-ratification of Minamata Convention for Sustainability (case study of ASGM Gorontalo)." E3S Web of Conferences 125 (2019): 02006. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/201912502006.
Abstract:
Indonesia ratified the Minamata Convention in Kumamoto Japan through Law No. 11 of 2017 concerning the Minamata agreement. This ratification is intended to provide protection for the environment from the use of mercury-based materials. Previous studies showed that the use of mercury in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) had a significant negative impact on health and the environment. The problem is whether the problems that need to be done in the application of the above regulations and maintaining environmental sustainability? The research method was carried out through related discussions and discussions with 25 relevant stakeholders, from miners, and local community, which was selected purposively. The research result was analysed qualitatively. This type of research is a combination of normative juridical and empirical juridical. For normative juridical law materials are used regarding relevant laws and regulations and cases. Data analysis was carried out descriptively. The result of the study indicate that The Minamata Convention has not been implemented as expected. The research recommended the need for policies to formalize ASGM in Gorontalo as a solution to facilitate access to mercury use. The need to educate miners about the dangers of using mercury, need alternative solutions to technology interventions for miners.
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Famiyeh, Samuel, Amoako Kwarteng, Disraeli Asante Darko, and Vivian Osei. "Environmental and social impacts identification for small-scale alluvial mining projects." Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal 31, no. 3 (February 24, 2020): 564–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/meq-07-2019-0160.
Abstract:
PurposeThe purpose of the work is to use a systematic process to identify the environmental and social impacts of small-scale alluvial gold mining projects using data from Ghana.Design/methodology/approachIn this work, we used survey data collected from experts in the mining sector. This was followed by the use of a risk analysis approach to identify the significant and non-significant environmental and social impacts.FindingsSeven key impacts associated with typical alluvial mining operations were identified. The first two are the loss of vegetation and the issue of airborne diseases from dust as a result of vegetation losses during the clearing of vegetation in the block out area. The third and fourth issues were loss of vegetation and airborne diseases as a result of vegetation losses during the removal of overburden. The fifth, sixth and seventh, most significant issues identified were the pollution from smoke fumes from the processing machines; and wastewater from the washing process. The last issue of significance was the dust pollution from the transportation of the washed gravel back to the mined pit.Research limitations/implicationsOne main limitation is that the data for this study were collected from Ghana.Practical implicationsThe results indicate the need for proper and systematic measures to identify the environmental and social impacts of mining activities.Originality/valueThe work provides some insights into the strategies of identifying environmental and social impacts of mining activities. It is also one of the key works that systematically identify environmental and social impacts of small-scale alluvial gold projects.
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Janíková, Pavlína, Jaromír Starý, Radúz Klika, Pavel Kavina, Jakub Jirásek, and Martin Sivek. "Gold deposits of the Czech Republic from a mineral policy perspective." Gospodarka Surowcami Mineralnymi 31, no. 4 (December 1, 2015): 35–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/gospo-2015-0041.
Abstract:
Abstract Gold production in the region that currently makes up the Czech Republic has a thousand-year-old tradition with peaks around the third century BC, 14th century AD and 20th century AD. In general, approximately 100 metric tonnes were produced by the end of mining in 1994, of which nearly 9 tonnes were produced in the 20th century and approximately 3 tonnes were produced after World War II. Significant gold deposits were discovered during the last extensive exploration conducted in the 1970s to 1995, motivated by the sharp rise in the price of gold at the beginning of the 1970s and in the 1980s. Fifteen deposits with 239 tonnes of geological resources of gold were registered. Another 112 tonnes are recorded as prognosticated resources. None of these deposits are mined, due to unresolved issues involving environmental protection. The exploitation of these deposits is restricted primarily due to concerns regarding the environmental impacts of the mining and processing of extracted minerals. A key aspect of these restrictions is likely the existing ban on the use of cyanide mining technologies. A new and yet-to-be-approved proposal for an updated mineral policy in the Czech Republic is attempting to gradually change this stance. Yet another problem lies in the unfinished surveys of mineral deposits, which would specify the total amount of gold and upgrade the resources to higher categories concerning the level of exploration. Without these, it is impossible to prepare the necessary economic assessments of potential production and of the deposits to the fullest extent of activities involving exploration, mineral extraction and processing, including subsequent reclamation of affected areas, elimination of mining impacts and regeneration of post-mining landscapes. The future of gold deposits in the Czech Republic also greatly depends on future trends in the price of gold and accompanying (by-product) minerals occurring together with gold in mined ores.
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Adon Simon, AFFESSI, KOFFI Koffi Gnamien Jean-Claude, and SANGARE Moussa. "Impacts Sociaux Et Environnementaux De L’orpaillage Sur Les Populations De La Region Du Bounkani (Cote D’ivoire)." European Scientific Journal, ESJ 12, no. 26 (September 30, 2016): 288. http://dx.doi.org/10.19044/esj.2016.v12n26p288.
Abstract:
This work highlights the effects of the practice of rural panning. This activity is considered a factor in promoting better condition of life of the miners. Its implementation modifies the relations of individuals with nature. The action of the miners, in their quest for wellness, causes social, economic and relationship with adverse environmental consequences. The study method was to collect information from resource persons and the use of functionalist theories and structural-functionalist. The results indicate that gold mining activity, although revenue generating negatively affect the environment, food safety and the health of populations in the Region Bounkani.
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Ianc, Nicolae, Corneliu Boantă, Ion Gherghe, and Cristian Tomescu. "Environmental impact of methane released from coal mines." MATEC Web of Conferences 305 (2020): 00030. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/202030500030.
Abstract:
Methane gas accompanying coal deposits was formed as a result of successive stages of the anaerobic process of vegetal material transformation into coal, at high temperatures and pressures, without external oxygen supply. During the metamorphism process, the content of C, H and O is modified, meaning an increase in carbon content, a decrease in hydrogen and oxygen, the nitrogen and sulphur content remaining constant. During this process, water and carbon dioxide is generated, the water being generated in the first transformation phases. Within the slow oxidation process, gas products result by using the oxygen content in plants, especially methane and carbon dioxide due to the fermentation stimulated by bacteria. Methane released into the atmosphere following the mining of coal have double ecological impact, participating in the destruction of the ozone layer and at the same time contributing to the enhancement of the greenhouse effect. At the same time, methane gas released into the atmosphere during coal mining may be used by mining operators as primary power resource for covering the power requirements of the mine or it can be used for commercial purposes.
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Tomberg, Tonu, and Arvi Toomik. "ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF MINE BLASTING." Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference 1 (June 20, 1999): 213. http://dx.doi.org/10.17770/etr1999vol1.1872.
Abstract:
The blasting is the predominating method o f breaking rocks in various surface and underground mines. At the same time some damaging impacts on environment are evident: noise, gas, dust, flyrock and ground vibration. The last factor is most important for safety o f constructions, buildings and various natural objects in the vicinity o f mining area. The ground vibration parameters, crucial for safety o f endangered objects have a significant correlation with charge weight and distance o f blasting. The properties o f vibration medium impact on the value o f these parameters. This study tried to associate the main vibration parameter, particle velocity with blasting parameters and properties o f vibration medium. The blast vibrations were studied in the soil o f Quaternary sediments and in Ordovician limestone in Estonian oil shale mining area in opencast and underground mines. The analysis o f measured data pointed significant correlation between vibration velocity and scaled distance from charges. The formulas and nomographs for prediction o f vibration velocity and fo r maximum permitted charge weights were elaborated fo r basic rocks and fo r soil, fo r oil shale underground and opencast mines. Using these formulas and nomographs in blast design will make possible to diminish the impact o f mine blasting on the objects located in the vicinity of mining area.
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Kandasamyhariramguptha, Karthikeyan. "Socio-economic Impact of Unsystematic Mine Closure: A case of Kolar Gold Fields." Academic Research Community publication 3, no. 2 (May 1, 2019): 26. http://dx.doi.org/10.21625/archive.v3i2.499.
Abstract:
This paper aims to study the Socio-Economic impact of un-systematic mine closure on the community and the neighborhood which is completely dependent on the mining. The sudden closure of the mines will affect the community’s entire livelihood and has counter effect on health, employment, environment, population and economy. India as a developing nation with its rich minerals content contributes sufficient towards the economic growth of the mining industry but the livelihood of the mining workers and their family are always kept in high level of risk. The policies and acts to control un-planned mine closure and counter its effects on the community should be made strong by the government. Kolar Gold fields, Karnataka (KGF) which holds an history of 120 years of mining and second deepest mine in the world has been chosen for the study. It is one among of the mines in the country which experienced the un-systematic closure in 2001 and facing its effects due to mill tailings, land contamination and loss of employment till date. These issues and challenges faced by the people of KGF will be addressed and can be improved if the government, mining company and people shows their support and interest for reviving the town.
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Nomani, M. Z. M., Ali Reja Osmani, Ghazal Salahuddin, Madiha Tahreem, Saif A. Khan, and Alaa Hussein Jasim. "Environmental Impact of Rat-Hole Coal Mines on the Biodiversity of Meghalaya, India." Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution 18, no. 1 (January 25, 2021): 77–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/ajw210010.
Abstract:
The paper appreciates coal mining laws and policies applied by National Green Tribunal to ban traditional, artisanal and rat-hole coal mining in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya (a state in India) in an attempt to conserve its environment and biodiversity. Meghalaya represents an important part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot which is one of the four bio-diversity hotspots of India and ranks 34th among the hotspots in the world. It is equally bestowed with rich deposits of coal, which can be found in the Khasi Hills, Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills districts. Coal mining from these districts is labour-intensive and involves digging narrow rat-hole sized tunnels that are four-feet high. The workers enter into the rat-hole in an extremely hazardous manner, setting aside the ergonomic principles for the extraction of coal. The legal framework of coal mining is governed by Mines Act, 1952, Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973, Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988 and Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015. However, these laws are not applied to Meghalaya because of its constitutional status enshrined in Sixth Schedule and Article 244 of the Constitution of India, 1950. Coal mining has brought employment opportunities, tribal sustenance and economic development that led to environmental degradation, disruption of ecosystems and biological diversity. The hazardous pursuits have been bereft of safety and ergonomic principle besides being oblivious of SDF of mining laws and policies in India.
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Xingwana, Lumkwana, Elroy E Smith, and Noxolo Eileen Mazibuko. "Working Environment and Employment Conditions and their Impact on Skills Shortage in South African Gold Mines." Journal of Economics and Management Sciences 2, no. 1 (January 31, 2019): p1. http://dx.doi.org/10.30560/jems.v2n1p1.
Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to examine the direct relationship and effect of human resource management practices (working environment and employment conditions) on perceived skills shortage among engineers, professionals, and supervisors in the South African gold mines. A sample of 300 engineers, professionals and supervisors was selected by purposive sampling from three selected South African gold mines. For the analysis of the data collected through a self-administered questionnaire, correlation and multiple regression were conducted using Social Package for Social Sciences, version 25. The study revealed that the working environment and employment conditions had a positive significant relationship with the perceived skills shortage in the gold mines. Considering the regression coefficients of two predictors, working environment exerted a greater impact on perceived skills shortage than employment conditions. The benefits of providing an attractive employment condition and supportive working environment create incentives for job satisfaction, employee’s intention to stay and talent retention. The study contributes to the growing research of skills shortage by conducting empirical tests consisting of three variables (perceived skills shortage, working environment, and employment conditions) in the gold mining context.
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Farlan, Edi, Indra Indra, and Ahmad Humam Hamid. "Dampak Pertambangan Emas Tradisional Terhadap Perubahan Sosial Ekonomi Masyarakat Di Gampong Mersak Kecamatan Kluet Tengah Kabupaten Aceh Selatan." Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Pertanian 1, no. 1 (November 1, 2016): 329–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.17969/jimfp.v1i1.1255.
Abstract:
During the existence of the traditional gold mining in the Mersak Village subdisdtrict of Central Kluet district South Aceh has been a lot changes in local community life. The research methodology used is descriptive method with qualitative approach. Data collection techniques used were interviews, observation, and literature study. Informants in this study consisted of village officials, community leaders and the community of gold miners. Data analysis technique used is the technique of interactive analysis by Milles and Huberman form of data reduction, data presentation and verification / conclusions. The results of the research tells us that the existence of gold mines in the Village Ruin has an impact on the social and economic condition of the community. Negative impact on the gold mining aspects of uncontrolled population movements and worrying, the incidence rate is increasing conflict and transition people's livelihood of farmers to miners who create agricultural infrastructure is not functioning optimally. Also, positive impact on the gold mining aspects of the comprehensive work opportunities for people and rising incomes that can be seen from the high purchasing power. Keywords: Mining, Impact, Social, Economic
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Bamford, S. Akoto, E. Osae, I. Aboh, C. A. Biney, and L. A. Antwi. "Environmental impact of the gold mining industry in Ghana." Biological Trace Element Research 26-27, no. 1 (July 1990): 279–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/bf02992682.
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Shi, Yong Li, Yong Bo Zhang, and Xing Hua Ren. "The Numerical Simulation Research on the Groundwater Environmental Impact of Coal Mining in Complex Boundary Conditions." Applied Mechanics and Materials 737 (March 2015): 868–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.737.868.
Abstract:
The article takes Shanxi Lu’an Group Yuxin Coal Mines as an example, establishing a model to simulate the impact of groundwater processes in different time periods Yuxin mining process through MODFLOW software. And evaluates the predictive region groundwater level and groundwater environment changing trends run of mine production.Model fit with satisfactory results. Due to there's watershed area in groundwater exploitation and the groundwater flow along the limestone layer excretion which is in the valley around, the groundwater has three flow directions in the Mining area and the flow field is very complex.Obviously,it is more difficult to understand the mining impact on groundwater exploit ation process. The article combines theoretical study with practical investigation. According to the simulation results of Yuxin Coal Mines, showing more clearly the impact of coal mining under complex boundary conditions on groundwater. Provide for the study of the impact of post-mining groundwater reference, while providing the basis for the supervision and management of local government departments and post Yuxin coal mining operation, and also provide a favorable basis for the protection of drinking water for local residents.
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Das Jennifer, Praveena, and P. Porchelvan. "An approach to assessment of post mining-induced seismic hazard in Kolar Gold Fields mines – a review." Journal of Mines, Metals and Fuels 69, no. 3 (May 12, 2021): 88. http://dx.doi.org/10.18311/jmmf/2021/27784.
Abstract:
A common challenge faced in underground hardrock mines worldwide is post mining-induced seismicity, as the events have been quite disastrous, causing risk to the structures and lives. In the recent years, many of the worked out mining areas are slowly getting populated and in due course of time shall be posing environmental threat to the people residing above and to the surface structures like sudden void formations or sudden ground collapse becoming visible on the surface. Worked out or closed mines have most of the time shown existence of post mining-induced seismicity signatures. Some of the closed mines showing post mining induced seismicity in Korea, South Africa, Sweden and India are being discussed. Post mining induced seismicity observed in Kolar Gold Fields worked out mine still being felt since closure of deeper levels is discussed. As mining depth increases especially in hard rock mines, magnitude of stress increases, hence, the occurrence and severity of postmining induced seismicity also increases. The problem becomes more serious if proper fund allocation is not done to investigate these areas, may be due to the absence of economic interest once the mine site has been abandoned and in many cases, direct investigations inside the mines may not be possible due to stability problems or due to the ingress of water into the void spaces of the mining area. Several approaches and techniques adopted by researcher’s world over are being discussed in this paper, with a view to gaining insight into the techniques of evaluation of seismic hazard. Seismic vulnerability assessment should integrate the effects of all the seismic events occurring at different locations of mining area during mining and post mining, along with their uncertainties also being considered. Based on the recorded data and some of the derived parameters from previous years, an attempt should be made to evaluate the existing risk prone areas. The past records of induced seismicity due to mining should be used as a precursor for identification of impending future events and their expected probable locations of occurrence. The methods discussed here for assessment of seismic hazard are based on direct waveform and seismic source parameters, parameters from indirect waveform methods, frequency-magnitude relationship based, and frequency content analysis based. From the assessment it is found that the choice of method that can be used depends on the period of monitoring (short-term monitoring, intermediate-term or long-term monitoring) and the objective of the study required to be achieved, this varies on site-to-site basis. The main focus is to show the importance and need to install a micro seismic monitoring system for long term assessment of seismic risk especially in abandoned/worked out mines showing post mining-induced seismicity.
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Gough, Katherine V., Paul WK Yankson, and James Esson. "Migration, housing and attachment in urban gold mining settlements." Urban Studies 56, no. 13 (November 28, 2018): 2670–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0042098018798536.
Abstract:
Mining settlements are typically portrayed as either consisting of purpose-built housing constructed by mining companies to house their workers, or as temporary makeshift shelters built by miners working informally and inhabited by male migrants who live dangerously and develop little attachment to these places. This paper contributes to these debates on the social and material dynamics occurring in mining settlements, focusing on those with urban rather than rural characteristics, by highlighting how misconceived these archetypal portrayals are in the Ghanaian context. Drawing on qualitative data collected in three mining settlements, we explore who is moving to and living in the mining towns, who is building houses, and how attachments to place develop socio-temporally. Through doing so, the paper provides original insights on the heterogeneous nature of mining settlements, which are found to be home to a wide range of people engaged in diverse activities. Mining settlements and their attendant social dynamics are shown to evolve in differing ways, depending on the type of mining taking place and the length of time the mines have been in operation. Significantly, we illustrate how, contrary to popular understandings of incomers to mining settlements as nomadic opportunists, migrants often aspire to build their own houses and establish a family, which promotes their attachment to these settlements and their desire to remain. These insights further scholarship on the social and material configuration of mining settlements and feed into the revival of interest in small and intermediate urban settlements.
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Wilson, Paula A., and Fern Zabriskie. "When the Gold is Gone: Reporting of Asset Retirement Obligations for the Ultimate Cleanup of Closed Mining Operations." Accounting and the Public Interest 10, no. 1 (January 1, 2010): 57–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.2308/api.2010.10.1.57.
Abstract:
ABSTRACT: Hardrock mining companies contribute positively to the U.S. economy. However, they also cause serious degradation to the surrounding environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, hardrock mining companies are among the greatest polluters in the United States. Mining companies are responsible for satisfying legal obligations arising under environmental laws that include cleanup and exit costs for all mines shut down. These environmental liabilities are called asset retirement obligations and under FAS No. 143, U.S. mining operators are required to recognize their asset retirement obligations upon acquisition or construction of their mines. In this paper, we examine the financial reporting for asset retirement obligations for gold mining companies. Based on a simple ratio analysis, it appears that top U.S. gold mining operators have sufficient financial resources to meet their future asset retirement obligations. However, when we conducted sensitivity analysis to exclude intangible assets and to adjust the value of the asset retirement obligations, we found that firms are not likely to have sufficient financial resources to meet their obligations. Current financial assurance mechanisms do not consistently and effectively result in firms meeting their asset retirement obligations. As a result, U.S. taxpayers can be left with the costs of cleanup and reclamation.
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Morrell, Robert. "Farmers, Randlords and the South African state: Confrontation in the Witwatersrand Beef Markets, c. 1920–1923." Journal of African History 27, no. 3 (November 1986): 513–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0021853700023306.
Abstract:
The pervasive importance of gold mining in modern South Africa has become embedded in South African historiography. Despite this, little research has been done to ascertain its impact on the other major sector of the economy, agriculture.The gold mines had a profound effect upon one particular branch of agriculture – beef farming. The mines purchased large amounts of beef and were able to use their buying power to confront beef farmers in the marketplace. In the recession following the First World War, the mines were caught in a profitability crisis that was to lead to the Rand Revolt in 1922. One of the ways in which mining attempted to ease its position was by cutting back on the cost of the meat it supplied to its African labour force. This initially involved co-operation with a powerful cold-storage company, big ranchers and a number of smaller farmers to form a Meat Producers Exchange. This fragile alliance fell apart when farmers, themselves on the verge of bankruptcy, attempted to take control of the Exchange and raise beef prices. The farmers failed and in 1923 the exchange collapsed.The victory of the mining and cold-storage companies rested on a number of factors. Farmers were unable to organize effectively because of the defection of ranchers to the mines. Changing economic conditions in 1922 and 1923 permitted the mines to terminate their co-operation with beef farmers. Finally the mines were able to call upon the state for support. The state ensured the demise of the Exchange and the defeat of the beef farmers. In the process it showed itself capable of intervening decisively to protect the interests of certain sections of capital.
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Yadav, Akhilesh Kumar, and Aarif Jamal. "Impact of mining on human health in and around mines." Environmental Quality Management 28, no. 1 (September 2018): 83–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/tqem.21568.
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Hewlett, L., D. Craw, and A. Black. "Comparison of arsenic and trace metal contents of discharges from adjacent coal and gold mines, Reefton, New Zealand." Marine and Freshwater Research 56, no. 7 (2005): 983. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf05018.
Abstract:
Historic gold and coal mines in the same catchment near Reefton, New Zealand allow comparison of environmental effects of the different mines in the same climate and topography. Gold mine discharge waters (neutral pH) deposit hydrated iron oxide (HFO) abundantly at mine entrances, whereas coal mine discharge waters (low pH) precipitate HFO tens to hundreds of metres downstream as pH rises. Waters leaving historic mines have up to 59 mg L−1 dissolved arsenic, and HFO at gold mines has up to 20 wt% arsenic. Coal mine discharge waters have low dissolved arsenic (typically near 0.01 mg L−1) and HFO has <0.2 wt% arsenic. Minor dissolved Cu, Cr, Ni, and Zn are being leached from background host rocks by acid solutions during sulfide oxidation, and attenuated by HFO downstream of both gold and coal mines. A net flux of 30 mg s−1 arsenic is leaving the catchment, and nearly all of this arsenic flux is from the gold mining area, but >90% of that flux is from background sources. The present study demonstrates that elevated trace metal concentrations around mines in a wet climate are principally from non-anthropogenic sources and are readily attenuated by natural processes.
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Szczepiński, Jacek. "The Significance of Groundwater Flow Modeling Study for Simulation of Opencast Mine Dewatering, Flooding, and the Environmental Impact." Water 11, no. 4 (April 23, 2019): 848. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w11040848.
Abstract:
Simulations of open pit mines dewatering, their flooding, and environmental impact assessment are performed using groundwater flow models. They must take into consideration both regional groundwater conditions and the specificity of mine dewatering operations. This method has been used to a great extent in Polish opencast mines since the 1970s. However, the use of numerical models in mining hydrogeology has certain limitations resulting from existing uncertainties as to the assumed hydrogeological parameters and boundary conditions. They include shortcomings in the identification of hydrogeological conditions, cyclic changes of precipitation and evaporation, changes resulting from land management due to mining activity, changes in mining work schedules, and post-mining void flooding. Even though groundwater flow models used in mining hydrogeology have numerous limitations, they still provide the most comprehensive information concerning the mine dewatering and flooding processes and their influence on the environment. However, they will always require periodical verification based on new information on the actual response of the aquifer system to the mine drainage and the actual climate conditions, as well as up-to-date schedules of deposit extraction and mine closure.
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D Franzmann, Peter, Rebecca B Hawkes, Christina M Haddad, and Jason J Plumb. "Mining with microbes." Microbiology Australia 28, no. 3 (2007): 124. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ma07124.
Abstract:
As early as 166 AD, biotechnology was applied to the extraction of metals from ores in the copper mines of Cyprus, and in 1928 in Kennecott, USA, ?dump leaching? ? the use of microorganisms to extract copper from low grade mine waste material ? was conducted on commercial scale. It was not until 1947 that Colmer and Hinkle 1 demonstrated the role that microorganisms play in the oxidation of mineral sulfides for the release of metals in solution. Currently, 20% of annual global copper production results largely through the bioleaching of chalcocite (Cu2S). Many other metals, such as gold, cobalt, nickel, uranium and zinc are also being produced through bioleaching technology. Today, biotechnology is used to improve the environmental outcomes in a range of mining operations such as the use of sulfate-reducing bioreactors for the treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD), and heterotrophic and chemolithotrophic biofilm reactors for the degradation of cyanide products from gold processing and for the destruction of organic wastes such as oxalate from Bayer liquors during alumina production.
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Zarubin, Mikhail, Larissa Statsenko, Pavel Spiridonov, Venera Zarubina, Noune Melkoumian, and Olga Salykova. "A GIS Software Module for Environmental Impact Assessment of the Open Pit Mining Projects for Small Mining Operators in Kazakhstan." Sustainability 13, no. 12 (June 21, 2021): 6971. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13126971.
Abstract:
This research article presents a software module for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of open pit mines. The EIA software module has been developed based on the comprehensive examination of both country-specific (namely, Kazakhstan) and current international regulatory frameworks, legislation and EIA methodologies. EIA frameworks and methods have been critically evaluated, and mathematical models have been developed and implemented in the GIS software module ‘3D Quarry’. The proposed methodology and software module allows for optimised EIA calculations of open pit mines, aiming to minimise the negative impacts on the environment. The study presents an original methodology laid out as a basis for a software module for environmental impact assessment on atmosphere, water basins, soil and subsoil, tailored to the context of mining operations in Kazakhstan. The proposed software module offers an alternative to commercial off-the-shelf software packages currently used in the mining industry and is suitable for small mining operators in post-Soviet countries. It is anticipated that applications of the proposed software module will enable the transition to sustainable development in the Kazakh mining industry.
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Ismail, Umar-Faruk Froko. "The Impact of Safety Climate on Safety Performance in a Gold Mining Company in Ghana." International Journal of Management Excellence 5, no. 1 (April 30, 2015): 556–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.17722/ijme.v5i1.795.
Abstract:
The study investigated the influence of safety climate on safety performance among employees in a multi-national gold mining company in Ghana. Safety climate was conceptualized and measured in terms of employee perceptions of management value for safety, supervisor safety practices, safety communication, safety training and safety system. Safety performance was conceptualized and measured in terms of employee safety compliance and safety participation, that is, how they make suggestions to improve safety in the mining environment. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 235 workers in the mines completed questionnaires on safety climate and safety performance. Pearson correlations and multiple regression analysis of the data indicated positive relationship between safety climate and safety performance as predicted. Safety systems predicted both safety compliance and participation. Safety communication and supervisory practices predicted safety compliance and safety participation respectively. The results are discussed in the framework of the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour.
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Kyerematen, Rosina, Samuel Adu-Acheampong, Daniel Acquah-Lamptey, Roger Sigismund Anderson, Erasmus H. Owusu, and Jones Mantey. "Butterfly Diversity: An Indicator for Environmental Health within Tarkwa Gold Mine, Ghana." Environment and Natural Resources Research 8, no. 3 (July 23, 2018): 69. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/enrr.v8n3p69.
Abstract:
Many human societies, rely on proceeds from mining of metals and fossil fuels for income generation as well as resource supplies from biodiversity. However, these mining activities are in conflict with and threaten the sustainable utilisation and conservation of biodiversity. We used butterflies, a known bioindicator species as surrogates to measure the level of change in vegetation within Tarkwa Gold Mines (TGM) in Ghana. Butterfly assemblages were sampled within the concession and characterised in terms of diversity indices and vegetation type. Transect counts, aerial netting and charaxes trapping were employed to assess butterfly assemblages. Results showed that although there were high records of degraded forest and savanna indicator species, the fairly high presence of deep forested species also shows that some forested areas within the concession are still in good condition. Recommendations are made to maintain forest blocks to serve as refugia for butterflies and urge management to institute measures to restore old and abandoned mined sites. We also recommend policy makers to enact laws that will ensure that, mining organisations lay down plans for sustainable mine operations and biodiversity conservation before being granted licenses to operate in Ghana.
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Idrobo, Nicolás, Daniel Mejía, and Ana María Tribin. "Illegal Gold Mining and Violence in Colombia." Peace Economics, Peace Science and Public Policy 20, no. 1 (January 1, 2014): 83–111. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/peps-2013-0053.
Abstract:
AbstractThe increase in the international price of commodities after the international financial crisis in 2008 produced a gold rush in the Colombian economy, making legal and illegal mining a very profitable and attractive business. The increase in the illegal exploitation of metals like gold has exacerbated violence in municipalities with an abundance of such minerals. Gold is believed to be a new engine in the Colombian conflict. This paper documents the phenomenon and quantifies the causal impact that the gold boom has had on indicators of violence such as homicides, forced displacement and massacres. We use the location of national parks, indigenous reserves and geochemical anomalies associated with the presence of gold mines as instruments for illegal mining in order to disentangle the causal effect of illegal mining on violence. By law, it is very difficult to get licenses for the extraction of gold in parks and indigenous reserves, and this might be a factor increasing the prevalence of illegal mining activities in municipalities with these features. In order to have time variation in our instruments, we interact geographical features associated with the presence of gold and illegal gold mining (which vary only at the municipal level) with the international price of gold. Our estimates indicate that the rise of illegal gold mining has caused a statistically significant increase in violence, as measured with the homicide rate and the victims of massacres. However, we do not find a significant causal effect of illegal gold mining on forced displacement. Our interpretation is that the increase in the profitability of illegal mining activities has sparked a dispute over territorial control between illegal armed groups in order to monopolize the extraction of the precious minerals. Nevertheless, illegal mining is a labor intensive activity, and this may have counteracted the incentives of illegal armed groups to displace local populations from their land.
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Kwenda, Geoffrey, Gavin J. Churchyard, Catherine Thorrold, Ian Heron, Karen Stevenson, Adriano G. Duse, and Elsé Marais. "Molecular characterisation of clinical and environmental isolates of Mycobacterium kansasii isolates from South African gold mines." Journal of Water and Health 13, no. 1 (June 21, 2014): 190–202. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wh.2014.161.
Abstract:
Mycobacterium kansasii (M. kansasii) is a major cause of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease in the South African gold-mining workforce, but the source of infection and molecular epidemiology are unknown. This study investigated the presence of M. kansasii in gold and coal mine and associated hostel water supplies and compared the genetic diversity of clinical and environmental isolates of M. kansasii. Five M. kansasii and ten other potentially pathogenic mycobacteria were cultured mainly from showerhead biofilms. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction analysis of the hsp65 gene on 196 clinical and environmental M. kansasii isolates revealed 160 subtype I, eight subtype II and six subtype IV strains. Twenty-two isolates did not show the typical M. kansasii restriction patterns, suggesting that these isolates may represent new subtypes of M. kansasii. In contrast to the clonal population structure found amongst the subtype I isolates from studies in other countries, DNA fingerprinting of 114 clinical and three environmental subtype I isolates demonstrated genetic diversity amongst the isolates. This study demonstrated that showerheads are possible sources of M. kansasii and other pathogenic non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection in a gold-mining region, that subtype I is the major clinical isolate of M. kansasii strain and that this subtype exhibits genetic diversity.
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Sodhi-Berry, Nita, Nicholas de Klerk, Peter Franklin, Alison Reid, Lin Fritschi, Bill Musk, Roel Vermeulen, and Susan Peters. "O8A.3 Mining exposures and lung cancer in contemporary western australian miners." Occupational and Environmental Medicine 76, Suppl 1 (April 2019): A70.2—A70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/oem-2019-epi.189.
Abstract:
ObjectivesMining is associated with exposures to various lung carcinogens such as diesel engine exhaust (DEE) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS). We aimed to determine if lung cancer incidence was higher in Western Australian (WA) miners than the general population and if risk varied within the cohort according to exposures and work or job types.MethodsExposure data for 1 72 398 miners living and working in WA between 1996 and 2013 was combined with administrative WA cancer and death data until June-2017. Causal Incidence Ratios (CIRs) were calculated for general population comparisons. Hazard Ratios (HRs) were derived from multivariable Cox regression models including sex, only-underground work, ore-type (gold, iron-ore, other metal, non-metal, unknown or multi-ore mines) and quantitative estimates of DEE (measured as elemental carbon) and RCS, after adjusting for ever-smoker status and entry-age. Additional analyses were done after lagging exposures by 15 years.ResultsMean DEE and RCS cumulative exposures were estimated as 0.15 mg/m3-years (std:0.37) and 0.09 mg/m3-years (std:0.18), respectively. Miners had lower lung cancer incidence than the general population (observed=382; expected=538.11; CIR:0.71, 95% CI:0.64–0.78). Within the mining cohort, higher lung cancer risks were observed for: females vs. males (HR:1.44, 95% CI:0.97–2.03); ever-smokers vs. never-smokers (HR:10.1, 95% CI:6.37–16.1); only-underground vs. only-surface miners (HR:1.72, 95% CI:1.02–2.90); only gold vs. multi-ore miners (HR:1.44, 95% CI:1.01–2.05); and only iron ore vs. multi-ore miners (HR:1.47, 95% CI:1.07–2.04). Neither DEE (HR:1.01, 95% CI:0.89–1.14) nor RCS (HR:0.89, 95% CI:0.61–1.3) was significantly associated with incidence. There was no significant difference in estimates after lagging exposures.ConclusionMiners had lower risk of lung cancer than the general population. Workers mining exclusively in underground, iron ore or gold mines had higher lung cancer risks than their peers, as did ever-smokers and females. Low levels of DEE and RCS exposures in WA mines may explain the lack of association between these exposures and lung cancer.
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Sołtys, Anna, Józef Pyra, and Jan Winzer. "The use of vibration monitoring to record the blasting works impact on buildings surrounding open-pit mines." E3S Web of Conferences 36 (2018): 02008. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20183602008.
Abstract:
Environmental protection law and geological and mining law require the mineral mining plant to protect its surroundings from the effects of mining operations. This also applies to the negative impact of vibrations induced by blasting works on people and construction facilities. Effective protection is only possible if the level of this impact is known, therefore it is necessary to record it. The thesis formulated in this way has been and continues to be the guiding principle of the research works carried out in the AGH Laboratory of Blasting Work and Environmental Protection. As a result of these works are procedures for conducting preventive activities by open-pit mines in order to minimize the impact of blasting on facilities in the surrounding area. An important element of this activity is the monitoring of vibrations in constructions, which is a source of knowledge for excavation supervisors and engineers performing blasting works, thus contributing to raising the awareness of the responsible operation of the mining plant. Developed in the Laboratory of the Mine's Vibration Monitoring Station (KSMD), after several modernizations, it became a fully automated system for monitoring and recording the impact of blasting works on the surrounding environment. Currently, there are 30 measuring devices in 10 open-pit mines, and additional 8 devices are used to provide periodic measurement and recording services for the mines concerned.
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McCutcheon, Steven R., and James A. Walker. "Great Mining Camps of Canada 8. The Bathurst Mining Camp, New Brunswick, Part 2: Mining History and Contributions to Society." Geoscience Canada 47, no. 3 (September 28, 2020): 143–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.12789/geocanj.2020.47.163.
Abstract:
In the Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC), 12 of the 45 known massive sulphide deposits were mined between 1957 and 2013; one was mined for iron prior to 1950, whereas three others had development work but no production. Eleven of the deposits were mined for base metals for a total production of approximately 179 Mt, with an average grade of 3.12% Pb, 7.91% Zn, 0.47% Cu, and 93.9 g/t Ag. The other deposit was solely mined for gold, present in gossan above massive sulphide, producing approximately one million tonnes grading 1.79 g/t Au. Three of the 11 mined base-metal deposits also had a gossan cap, from which gold was extracted. In 2012, the value of production from the Bathurst Mining Camp exceeded $670 million and accounted for 58 percent of total mineral production in New Brunswick.Base-metal production started in the BMC in 1957 from deposits at Heath Steele Mines, followed by Wedge in 1962, Brunswick No. 12 in 1964, Brunswick No. 6 in 1965, Caribou in 1970, Murray Brook, Stratmat Boundary and Stratmat N-5 in 1989, Captain North Extension in 1990, and lastly, Half Mile Lake in 2012. The only mine in continuous production for most of this time was Brunswick No. 12. During its 49-year lifetime (1964–2013), it produced 136,643,367 tonnes of ore grading 3.44% Pb, 8.74% Zn, 0.37% Cu, and 102.2 g/t Ag, making it one of the largest underground base-metal mines in the world.The BMC remains important to New Brunswick and Canada because of its contributions to economic development, environmental measures, infrastructure, mining innovations, and society in general. The economic value of metals recovered from Brunswick No. 12 alone, in today’s prices exceeds $46 billion. Adding to this figure is production from the other mines in the BMC, along with money injected into the local economy from annual exploration expenditures (100s of $1000s per year) over 60 years. Several environmental measures were initiated in the BMC, including the requirement to be clean shaven and carry a portable respirator (now applied to all mines in Canada); ways to treat acid mine drainage and the thiosalt problem that comes from the milling process; and pioneering studies to develop and install streamside-incubation boxes for Atlantic Salmon eggs in the Nepisiguit River, which boosted survival rates to over 90%. Regarding infrastructure, provincial highways 180 and 430 would not exist if not for the discovery of the BMC; nor would the lead smelter and deep-water port at Belledune. Mining innovations are too numerous to list in this summary, so the reader is referred to the main text. Regarding social effects, the new opportunities, new wealth, and training provided by the mineral industry dramatically changed the living standards and social fabric of northern New Brunswick. What had been a largely poor, rural society, mostly dependent upon the fishing and forestry industries, became a thriving modern community. Also, untold numbers of engineers, geologists, miners, and prospectors `cut their teeth’ in the BMC, and many of them have gone on to make their mark in other parts of Canada and the world.
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Golik, V. I., Yu V. Dmytrak, O. Z. Gabaraev, and Kh Kh Kozhiev. "Minimizing the Impact of Mining on the Environment." Ecology and Industry of Russia 22, no. 6 (July 6, 2018): 26–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.18412/1816-0395-2018-6-26-29.
Abstract:
A complex characteristic of the degree of influence of mining on the environment is given. The criteria for assessing the impact of mining on the region's ecology are substantiated. A set of measures aimed at improving the mineral resource use system with an environmental effect is proposed. It is shown that the effectiveness of resource-saving is a function of the volume of minerals extracted on the surface. A complex criterion for assessing the effectiveness of mining technologies as a ratio of the ecological and economic factors of working of mines is proposed. The analysis of the practice of applying resource-saving technologies with the transfer of mineral into the solution at the site of occurrence of ores is given. The typology of technologies for hazards prevention and measures for environmental protection has been proposed. The concept of resource-saving as a correct use of natural-man-made arrays in the process of extraction of mineral raw materials is formulated.