Open-pit mining, also known as open-cast mining, surface mining, and strip mining, involves the removal of surface layers of soil and rock in order to reach mineral deposits located below. The mining process often involves blasting large amounts of material and then extracting the ore by digging and using heavy machinery. Open-pit mining has historically been a major source of mineral extraction and has had significant environmental impacts.
Open-pit mining is the process of extracting mineral resources from the surface of the Earth. The excavation is generally done by strip-mining, which involves removing layers of soil and rock until ore is accessible. This type of mining is distinct from traditional underground mining, which typically produces deeper, more concentrated ore veins (Lavender and Arnold, 2015). The majority of open-pit mines are located in surface rocks and consist of horizontal trenches, pits, and circular underground chambers. In contrast to underground mining, open-pit requires a much higher level of equipment and capital investment, and involves significantly higher environmental risks.
Open-pit mining typically creates an immense amount of land disturbance, involving removal of large quantities of soil and rock, as well as ground and surface water contamination. Air pollution is a further consequence of open-pit mining, due to the release of particulate matter (such as dust, smoke, and gas) into the atmosphere. Dangerous and unregulated levels of airborne contaminants can have adverse effects on the environment and human health. The use of hazardous chemicals in the mining process is an additional concern, as toxicity is likely to impact local air quality (McDowell, 2012).
Open-pit mining also poses a threat to wildlife habitats, as strip-mining alters the landscape and disrupts the local hydrological cycle, thereby affecting wildlife species‘existence and distribution (Schroeder and Hilyard, 2000). In some cases, irreparable damage to local ecosystems is caused, as native species become extinct in certain areas while a variety of non-native species tend to take advantage of the newly created environment. The destruction of tree cover leading to reduced local precipitation and a lack of habitats for many species of wildlife can also result, causing further disruption of the original ecosystem.
In recent years, increased public awareness has led to attempts to reduce the negative impact of open-pit mining by introducing regulations and enforcing established mining laws. Sustainable mining systems have been developed in order to minimize the environmental impact of open-pit mining, focusing on the minimization of land disturbance and the fueling of local economies. Replacing surface mining with underground mining is one approach that has recently been proposed as an improvement in terms of reducing environmental destruction, as it has been demonstrated to be more efficient for ore extraction and causes less disruption to the landscape (Júnior et al., 2016).
Overall, open-pit mining is a commonly utilized form of mineral extraction, providing essential materials for industry and commerce. Even with efforts to reduce environmental effects, open-pit mining is still responsible for significant levels of destruction and contamination. It is important to carefully address the impact of mining activities on the environment and ensure that regulations are strictly enforced in order to protect local ecosystems and habitats.
