To Mine or Not to Mine

I am not absolutely against mining as metallic elements have become a part of human life for many generations. I am inclined to believe that these minerals may no longer be of popular use or demand in later years. I read in a Science magazine that the technological trend, at least in the computer industry, is towards the use of glass, as a more efficient media of sending bits and bytes of data in the information highway, instead of metallic components in the future. This is what we refer to as fiber optics. Nevertheless, current developments indicate large amounts are needed to fuel growing economies especially in eastern countries like China.

Acid Mine Drainage

A lot of revenue in the mining industry can be gained, but the environmental impact of mining activities should not be ignored. Freshwater resources may be contaminated and the human effects, subtle as they come, will take time to manifest. Acid mine drainage or AMD had been a problem left unsolved in many countries engaged in mining. There is no technology yet that can effectively contain the acid leaching out of mining sites. Sulfide rocks found underneath the top soil reacts with rain water to form sulfuric acid. As sulfuric acid goes downstream in, say a river, it dissolves heavy metals along its wake. This is the reason why some rivers have colored streams like the one shown below. In developed countries, wells were dug to monitor changes in groundwater quality to avert harmful levels of toxic effluents. Freshwater resources, a basic necessity, will be rendered unfit for human use if high concentrations of heavy metals are present.

A defunct, unrehabilitated copper mine upstream in the remote island of Balabac, Palawan caused this bluish coloration of the stream bed. Locals noticed this occurring for more than 30 years.

Bioaccumulation

The threshold by which heavy metal toxicity is manifested will have to be reached through bioaccumulation. It is the gradual accumulation of the harmful elements in the organism through absorption or ingestion. Some organisms, usually the detritus feeders (e.g. bivalves, snails, crustaceans), concentrate harmful metallic elements in their bodies. When humans ingest them, trace elements of metals eventually accumulate in the tissues, fats, or vital organs that filter fluids. The normal physiological functions of the body will be affected when threshold limits are reached. Paralysis and mental retardation are among the ultimate outcomes.

Weighing the Benefits of Ore Extraction

To mine or not to mine? I believe that properly weighing the pros and cons of a proposed mining site would help a lot in decision making. Economic valuation, that is comparing the benefits of preserving an environment or extracting ore from it, must be undertaken. If the benefits far outweigh the cost, usually in the form of pollution, then mining is justified.