Geochemical mining impact

Environmental impacts of coal mining and associated wastes a geochemical perspective... 

Younger, P. L. 2004. Environmental Impacts of Coal Mining and Associated Wastes A Geochemical Perspective. In Giere, R. STILLE, P. (eds) Energy, Waste, and the Environment a Geochemical Perspective. Geological Society, London, Special Publications. 236, 169-209. 

Azcue, J.M. and Nriagu, J.O. (1995) Impact of abandoned mine tailings on the arsenic concentrations in Moira Lake, Ontario. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 52(1-2), 81-89. 

Klukanova, A. and Rapant, S. (1999) Impact of mining activities upon the environment of the Slovak Republic two case studies. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 66(1-2), 299-306. 

Martin A. J., McNee J. J., and Pedersen T. F. (2001) The reactivity of sediments impacted by metal-mining in Lago Junin, Peru. J. Geochem. Explor. 74, 175-187. 

In order to illustrate the major geochemical factors controlling the impact of mining activities on the environment, it is necessary to investigate the chemical form of the contaminant, e.g. their chemical speciation in both river water and sediment. The speciation can help to assess the bioavailability of metals to organisms and the hazard they may present to the environment. 

These considerations of the general behaviour of metals in aquatic and soil systems should be used to assess and control accumulation and mobilisation processes of trace metal ions. To evaluate the environmental impact of mining activities with regard to chemical contaminants, the following main steps of geochemical activities are recommended (1) estimate the extent of the local and regional contamination, (2) quantify the sources of heavy metals, chlorides, sulphates and thus the total acidity and salinity, as well as other contaminants and (3) define and control major sources, i.e. waste rock heaps, tailings, waste dumps and air pollution, etc. 

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