A Report on the Adverse Effects of Mining to the Environment
by Arvind-8A

Extraction is the removal of minerals from the ground through mining. Mining is generally very destructive to the environment.

In order to mine and extract minerals, the top layer of soil needs to be removed and the trees need to be cleared and burned. This leads to deforestation and soil erosion and a loss of habitat for animals. Some harmful chemicals are used for extraction of minerals like mercury mercaptyane which are

hazardous and dangerous to the environment by polluting the land and nearby water bodies. Some ways of mineral extraction such as hydraulic use great amounts of water resulting in overuse and pollution during the process.

When the extraction process is done, land is left undone (in the case of underground mining and some methods of surface mining) and cannot be used for cultivation neither for any other purpose and therefore, this land becomes a cultivatable wasteland.

During the disposal of minerals, many harmful ingredients are thrown into the land and nearby water bodies in turn polluting them. Disposal of heavy metals such as lead into the atmosphere can cause serious health issues which can go up to mental retardation and other effects.

Sometimes during underground mining, the mine collapses leading to economic loss, loss of people and the environment. Some mining methods can also crack river beds leading to the change in river flow.

Therefore extraction, mining, and disposal of minerals needs to be taken care of and these resources need to be conserved and used judiciously.