How does mining cause pollution?

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a potentially severe pollution hazard that can contaminate surrounding soil, groundwater, and surface water. Acid mine drainage is a function of the geology, hydrology, and mining technology employed at a mine site. read more

Air pollution - Mining operations like drilling, blasting, hauling, collection, and transportation are the major sources of emissions and air pollution. Mined ores are full of minerals and dust. Dust particles stirred up during the mining process, as well as soot released during transport, contributes to emissions and respiratory problems. read more

The environmental impact of mining includes erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface water by chemicals from mining processes. Besides creating environmental damage, the contamination resulting from leakage of chemicals also affects the health of the local population. read more

Deforestation, downstream silt accumulation, and contamination by toxic chemicals are some of the important causes, and the effect depends on the type of mining and materials mined. Forests Loss The 2014 University of Minnesota report illustrates how mining can affect habitats due to forest loss and degradation. read more