Mining is often mentioned, talked about,
and written about negatively. We hear it in the news, read in the papers, and
appear in our social media feeds: toxic chemicals spilling in protected watersheds,
animals dying from hunger due to changes in the ecosystem, and people getting
sick.
If you can’t help but think that nothing
good seems to come out of mining, then it’s time to do some research. Responsible
mining may even be an unfamiliar phrase.
Responsible mining is adhering to the
current international standards of reducing environmental impact and ensuring
sustainable use of mineral resources. Here are some things you may not know
about responsible mining.
#1:
All cleared and ready to go!
Before any mining operation can even get
started, the company needs to secure all the necessary permits and clearances
from the government.
They need to conduct comprehensive
evaluation of the prospective sites including an environmental impact assessment
that will cover both the natural environment and the community living within
the vicinity of the prospective mining sites. This alone will provide vital
information to the government regarding the present environmental condition of
areas of the proposed mining operation. This way the government can evaluate
whether clearance or necessary permits for the applicant mining company can be
approved.
Once all the permits and clearances have
been issued, the company now has the go signal to begin their operations.
#2:
Proper waste disposal is a must!
Part of the proposal is a plan that will
be submitted for evaluation to a third party agency or the government on the
method of ore extraction and refinery as well as proper waste disposal.
The mining company is responsible for ensuring
that toxic mining by-products are properly disposed and the risk of
contamination of nearby water resources and forests are zero to miniscule level.
The waste management plan will include the selection and design of the waste
disposal area, the procedures of addressing hazardous waste materials, and even
the long-term maintenance of waste as part of mine closure.
Without this waste management plan, the
mining permit will never be issued.
#3:
Better lives for the community!
Mining which is usually conducted in
far-flung rural communities will eventually lead to the economic development of
these areas. Mining companies, through their corporate social responsibility
programs and projects, can also help build stronger and healthier communities near
the mining sites.
Since it is always more efficient to
employ locals in mining operations to reduce the cost, the best way mining
companies can give back to the communities is by building schools for children,
sponsoring health care centers and delivery systems, conducting civic and
social welfare activities and many more.
Responsible mining can also give way to
the construction of significant development infrastructures like roads and
bridges and other projects in the mining area and nearby communities that are
not exactly high on the priority list of the government. These infrastructures
are critical to mining operations and the community can also enjoy faster and
easier transportation of their goods to the markets.
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