1. Mining and the Environmental Impacts

2. Mining Methods

3. Surface Mining

4. Shallow deposits = Surface mining (60% coal in US) – vegetation, soil, and rock on top (overburden) are removed and set aside as spoils
The unused material – tailings – may contain heavy metals, arsenic, lead, mercury
Sometimes referred to as MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL
Need to restore the land after mining is done
Mountaintop Removal – Let’s watch!!
SURFACE MINING

5. Environmental efffects
Scarring and disruption of the land surface
Acid Mine Drainage – rainwater seeping through waste pile or mine carries sulfuric acid and contaminates nearby groundwater
Filling in of valleys and streams with waste rock and dirt
Major air and water pollution
Noise, ugliness, heat, land accidents, etc.
Environmental efffects

6. Subsurface Mining Deep deposits = Subsurface Mining
Less land disturbance than surface mining
Less waste material
More dangerous & expensive (black lung)
Subsidence – collapse of land
Breaching underground water – aquifer
Subsurface Mining

7. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) = the primary federal law that regulates the environmental effects of coal mining in the United States.
Mine operators are required to minimize disturbances and adverse impact on fish, wildlife and related environmental values and achieve enhancement of such resources where practicable. Restoration of land and water resources is ranked as a priority in reclamation planning.
Sounds good on paper? Difficult in arid regions (little precip, low soil fertility, soil doesn’t hold water, run-off, landslides, etc)
Reclamation

8. Steps to Reclaim Land Recontour/regrade land to original condition
Replace topsoil
Replant with native vegetation
Monitor for 5-10 years, depending on location
Steps to Reclaim Land