Environment 1: dangers

Introduction

Mining, by its nature, involves the disturbance of land. This can often have serious consequences for the surrounding environment. In this chapter we will look at the environmental impacts of mining, including the threat to native animal and plant species and some of the measures that are being taken by environmental groups to safeguard their survival.

Environmental effects of mining

Animals and plants can be severely affected by mining projects. As mining often requires the destruction of a particular area, the ecology of that region will be affected. Many of our native animal species are dependent upon grass, plants and other vegetation for food. The removal of these through mining can compromise their ability to survive.

For animals in a mining area, their basic survival needs, including access to food, water and adequate shelter, can be reduced or removed altogether. Some species of animals, such as kangaroos and possums are able to adapt to these changes in their environment. They will either find alternative food sources or move on to other areas. In the case of kangaroos, they have evolved specifically to survive in a changing environment, even altering their breeding habits to ensure their survival.

Other animals may not be able to adapt so successfully. Those that are dependent upon particular varieties of plants may not survive if these are removed. These animals will decline sharply in numbers if they are unable to breed and can eventually become extinct. See image 1

The destruction of large tracts of land to establish a mineshaft can have a devastating effect on the plant life of that region. Trees and plants will be cleared to make way for the mining project. In some cases rare or unusual plants may be removed. If these plants are native to the region being mined, the mining activities can affect their ability to be regrown. This can lead to certain species and varieties of flora dying out.

One example is the Curly-bark Wattle. As it only grows in certain parts of New South Wales, mining and quarrying have had a devastating effect upon this rare species of wattle. At present there are only 20 populations of this tree in New South Wales, with a total of 5000 trees in all. As a result, the Curly-bark wattle is now listed by environmentalists as a threatened species. See image 2

Subsidence caused by certain types of mining has been recognised in recent years as having a permanent and damaging effect on the surrounding environment. Subsidence occurs when the area being mined weakens and eventually collapses. This can lead to cracks forming under riverbeds and lakes.

The Gordon River in New South Wales has become the focus of great concern in recent years. Persistent mining in the area has led to interruption in the river's flow, degradation of the river bed and the presence of toxic chemicals in the region's water supply. This affects native species that are dependent upon aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats such as wading birds, reptiles and fish.

Restoring a balance

Scientists and environmental groups have become increasingly concerned in recent decades about the damage caused by mining projects. Their continuous campaigning has led to the introduction of new government legislation for mining and mineral exploration. They have also worked with mining companies and government departments to create ecologically viable solutions for the use of the land. These include the provision of sufficient funding for minesite rehabilitation, limits on the types of chemicals that can be used and new, tougher laws for the disposal of mining waste products. See image 3