Across the world, mining contributes to erosion, sinkholes, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, significant use of water resources, dammed rivers and ponded waters, wastewater disposal issues, acid mine drainage and contamination of soil, ground and surface water, all of which can lead to health issues in local …

How can mining become more environmentally sustainable?

1. Reduce inputs. The mining industry uses a large amount of water and land in their operations.
2. Reduce outputs.
3. Proper waste disposal.
4. Improving the manufacturing process.
5. Close and reclaim shut-down mines.
6. Replenishing the environment.
7. Final words.

Coal extraction methods vary depending on whether the mine is an underground mine or a surface (also called open cast) mine. Additionally coal seam thickness and geology are factors in selection of a mining method. The most economical method of coal extraction for surface mines is the electric shovel or drag line.

Environmental impacts of mining can occur at local, regional, and global scales through direct and indirect mining practices. Impacts can result in erosion, sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, or the contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface water by the chemicals emitted from mining processes.

Mining can impact local communities both positively and negatively. While positive impacts such as employment and community development projects are important, they do not off-set the potential negatives. We have found mining can negatively affect people by: forcing them from their homes and land.

Environmental impacts: Mining pollutes the water of surrounding communities through cyanide contaminated waste ore and other abandoned mine waste including toxic metals and acid, which often get released into lakes, streams and the ocean, killing fish and contaminating drinking water.

8 Simple Ways to Help the Environment

1. Use Reusable Bags. Plastic grocery-type bags that get thrown out end up in landfills or in other parts of the environment.
2. Print as Little as Necessary.
3. Recycle.
4. Use a Reusable Beverage Containers.
5. Don’t Throw Your Notes Away.
6. Save Electricity!
7. Save Water.
8. Avoid Taking Cars or Carpool When Possible.

Common Materials We Use from the Earth

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water.

Plastic pollution, deforestation, and air pollution are only some of the ways humans are damaging the environment. We as humans have become dependent on luxuries such as cars, houses, and even our cell phones. Things like overconsumption, overfishing, deforestation are dramatically impacting our world.

They include:

• Exposure to hazardous substances in the air, water, soil, and food.
• Natural and technological disasters.
• Climate change.
• Occupational hazards.
• The built environment.

The combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and other factory combustibles is a major cause of air pollution. These are generally used in power plants, manufacturing facilities (factories) and waste incinerators, as well as furnaces and other types of fuel-burning heating devices.

Pollution enters the Earth’s atmosphere in many different ways. Most air pollution is created by people, taking the form of emissions from factories, cars, planes, or aerosol cans. Second-hand cigarette smoke is also considered air pollution. These man-made sources of pollution are called anthropogenic sources.

Pollution may muddy landscapes, poison soils and waterways, or kill plants and animals. Humans are also regularly harmed by pollution. Long-term exposure to air pollution, for example, can lead to chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer and other diseases.

High levels of air pollution can cause an increased risk of heart attack, wheezing, coughing, and breathing problems, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Air pollution can also cause worsening of existing heart problems, asthma, and other lung complications.

When you think of environmental pollution, it typically comes in seven different types. These include air, water, land, radioactive, thermal, light, and sound pollution.

The five major types of pollution include: air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, light pollution, and noise pollution.

• Air Pollution. ••• A major source of air pollution results from the burning of fossil fuels.
• Water Pollution. •••
• Soil Pollution. •••
• Light Pollution. •••
• Noise Pollution. •••

On Days when High Particle Levels are Expected, Take these Extra Steps to Reduce Pollution:

• Reduce the number of trips you take in your car.
• Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
• Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials.
• Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

How Students Can Help Reduce Environmental Pollution

• Use the Reusable. The reusable things aren’t something new to hear.
• Help Recycling. If your reusable property isn’t reusable anymore, it still can be discarded for good, but in a smart way.
• Save Resources. Lots of things that we can save aren’t as easily measurable as plastic bags or cups.

Everyone can take steps to reduce vehicle pollution

1. Ride a bike or walk. If you are only going a short distance, consider riding a bike or walking instead of driving.
2. Take public transit. If you need to go somewhere that is along a bus or light rail line, consider taking public transit instead of going in a car.
3. Carpool.
4. Avoid idling.
5. Use alternative fuels.