What are the benefits and drawbacks of open pit mining?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of open pit mining?
1.1 Features, technical and economic indicators of open pit development
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High production rate (essentially unlimited, although small surface mines also possible) | Limited by stripping ratio |
| Lowest cost along with open cast mining | High capital investment associated with large equipment |
Why is open pit mining so destructive?
This type of mining is particularly damaging to the environment because strategic minerals are often only available in small concentrations, which increases the amount of ore needed to be mined. Environmental hazards are present during every step of the open-pit mining process.
What is the deepest underground mine in the world?
Mponeng gold mine
What is the most expensive method of mining?
There are four main mining methods: underground, open surface (pit), placer, and in-situ mining. Underground mines are more expensive and are often used to reach deeper deposits. Surface mines are typically used for more shallow and less valuable deposits.
What are the 3 methods of mining?
Open-pit, underwater, and underground mining. These are the three main methods of mining we use to extract our products from the ground. In this Digging Deeper article, we take a look at these different methods and provide a glimpse into what each involves.
Where is leach mining used?
In 2019, 57% of world uranium mined was from by in situ leach (ISL) methods. Most uranium mining in the USA, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is now by ISL, also known as in situ recovery (ISR). ISL mining of uranium is undertaken in Australia, China, and Russia as well.
How does leach mining work?
Heap leaching is an industrial mining process used to extract precious metals, copper, uranium and other compounds from ore using a series of chemical reactions that absorb specific minerals and re-separate them after their division from other earth materials.
What type of mining is best for the environment?
In situ mining, for example, can be more environmentally friendly than underground mining and is cheaper than many mining methods. Implementing recently discovered green mining technologies.
What type of mining is most harmful to the environment?
Although the effects of coal mining take a long time to impact the environment the burning of coals and fires which can burn up to decades can release flying ash and increase the greenhouse gasses. Specifically strip mining that can destroy landscapes, forests, and wildlife habitats that are near the sites.
How can we save mining areas?
How can mining become more environmentally sustainable?
- Reduce inputs. The mining industry uses a large amount of water and land in their operations.
- Reduce outputs.
- Proper waste disposal.
- Improving the manufacturing process.
- Close and reclaim shut-down mines.
- Replenishing the environment.
- Final words.
Can we live without mining?
We need to start from a basic statement: The modern world simply can’t function without mining; Mineral products are essential components for cell phones, cars, energy towers, solar panels, wind turbines, fertilizers, machinery and all kinds of construction. Mining: If it can’t be grown, it has to be mined.
Why should we stop mining?
We should stop oil mining because it affects animals and the environment of our world. Mining also causes reduce in oxygen and beautiful areas of natural wonders. It causes global warming, deforestation, extinction with animals and plants and natural erosion.
What are the positive effects of mining?
In terms of positive impacts, mining is often a source of local employment and may contribute to local and regional economies [18, 19]. Remediation of the potential environmental impacts, for example through water treatment and ecological restoration, can have positive net effects on environmental systems [20].
What are the positive effects of mining to the community?
These additional resources can be welfare improving if they are used to provide more and/or better quality of much-needed public goods, such as transportation, modern power, water and sanitation, education and health. These positive effects are by no means guaranteed, and depend on well-functioning local institutions.