What causes mine dumps?

Mining is a major economic activity in many developing countries. Mine dumps are made up of a complex mixture of metals and dust particles. This means that dust exposure can be high for communities living nearby, particularly during windy conditions and when it’s dry and vegetation cover is low.

What is mine dumps?

In laymen’s terms the phrase ‘mine dump’ refers to an area where excess material containing forms of mineral(s) were left (either valuable or of no value to the miner) by the person who won the minerals from the earth in accordance with his/her right or entitlement to mine.

How does mining affect the pollution?

Mining affects fresh water through heavy use of water in processing ore, and through water pollution from discharged mine effluent and seepage from tailings and waste rock impoundments. Mining by its nature consumes, diverts and can seriously pollute water resources.

How does mining waste affect the environment?

Environmental issues can include erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water by chemicals from mining processes. In some cases, additional forest logging is done in the vicinity of mines to create space for the storage of the created debris and soil.

How are Mine Dumps BAD for the environment?

The result is a significant amount of air, soil and water pollution. One particular area of concern is mine dumps which are made up of crushed, sand-like by-product refuse material, known as tailings, produced during the mining process.

How does the dust from the mine dump affect the children?

They know full well that the dust from the mine dump affects their health. “It makes your skin very itchy,” said Sibaya. “Sometimes the rash turns into sores,” said Mbatha, and Sibaya added: “The children cough badly.” Similane and Duda both sport slightly swollen eyes. Sibaya bends over to point out the suspected culprit.

How does illegal dumping lead to air pollution?

Thus, air pollution can be caused by illegal dumping to a certain extent. Illegal dumping also leads to land pollution. Trash which is disposed of in locations where it does not belong will deteriorate the physical appearance of the affected areas.

How are mine dumps in South Africa affect the health of?

This has included spraying mine dumps with water and rehabilitating areas by planting grass, which effectively catches the dust. But these strategies have often been ineffective because the grass withers during the dry season and sprayed water is rapidly absorbed or evaporates.