 Deforestation and defacing of landscape – Top soil as well as the vegetation is removed to get access to the deposit.  Soil erosion – also prone to landslides which further add to soil erosion.  Ground water contamination – heavy metals get leached into groundwater and contaminate.  Surface water pollution – contaminates nearby streams, wells, lakes etc.  Air pollution – happens during smelting.  Occupational health hazards – suffer from respiratory and skin diseases.

 Dead zones – no vegetation or animal life can survive.  Ghost towns- no population around.