Environment Support

On Mining and the Environment: What is the United States Doing About It?

Mining has been around since the foundations of ancient civilizations. The Grimes Graves, one of the world's most famous ancient mining sites, show evidence of having been mined for minerals since the Neolithic Age (ca 4000 BC-ca 3000 BC). Early empires, like that of the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians, made scrolls containing historical accounts of their mining activities for gold, silver, bronze, and copper.

Although modern mining methods are superior to those used by early miners in extracting minerals from the earth, modern mining deeply damages the environment. Open surface mining has contributed to the soil erosion and eradication of the ecology thriving on the surface. For example, using tons of dynamite to blast a huge chunk of the mountainside damages all ecosystems that exist in that particular area. Meanwhile, sub-surface mining causes soil-poisoning and contamination of the ground and surface waters because of the chemicals used in underground mining.

The United States Government has created measures to reduce, if not eliminate, the threats mining activities poses against the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged with educating and regulating businesses in how to protect and preserve the environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency also monitors the effects of pollution --- including ones triggered by mining --- on human health. Keeping the adverse effects of mining in check not only helps the environment, but also keeps humans from the risks posed by mining wastes. Chemical waste left behind by mining can cause serious health problems. Incidents in Ray Mines Complex in Arizona and American Girl Mine in California illustrate the danger mining waste poses to humans.

In December of 1990, large quantities of wastewater leaked through underground storage tanks that contained hazardous chemicals in Ray Mines, including 20 tons of sulfuric acid. The chemical residue contaminated the soil and its toxicity level exceeded the guidelines set by Arizona Health. In American Girl Mine, three chemical leakages of large quantities were reported. The first was on December 6, 1987, when 1,700 gallons of pregnant solution leaked from the holding pond. The second was on February 29, 1988, when an estimated 9,000 gallons of solution containing large parts of cyanide was released. The third spillage happened on August 1989, when a machine failure caused chemicals to spill on the soil. The first two were immediately repaired and contained. The third one required the removal of contaminated soil before the damage could spread further.

With regards to mining and the perils it can cause the environment, the EPA released proposals, most of which are about proper disposal of mine wastes. Here are some of the rules enacted:

Today, active mines in the United States have been refitted to follow the regulations of safe mining and proper waste management and disposal. Abandoned mines are being closely monitored by the EPA and the appropriate federal agencies to ensure that any threat will be detected and contained.