Negative impacts of open-cast mining on the environment and their mitigation

Mining will play a key role in future global development. Despite such measures as recycling, miniaturisation and substitution, the growing world population with its improving living conditions demands more and more energy, fertilisers, electronic materials, raw materials for building and water. A major part of iron ore, non-ferrous metals, brown coal, building materials and minerals for industry is being excavated in open-cast mines. This type of mining has a deep impact on the natural strata. Open-cast mining changes geological, hydrological and geotechnical conditions. It influences the existing ecological system and landscape. The dust and noise affect not only the atmosphere and soil, but also the whole human living space in the exploited territories. The mining industry is able to guarantee constant public security during open-cast mining activities and to offer an effective after-use of the land when the mines are closed. The most important measures to that end are the building of secure slopes and tipping areas, the regulation of water quality and water balance, the creation of an attractive landscape and a balanced restoration oriented towards human needs. Restored land offers space not only for different species of fauna and flora but also areas for human recreation, agriculture and forest industry. Enormous work in technology, management and safety is done during the mining activities, with an aim of diminishing dust and noise pollution and avoiding contamination of water. After excavation is finished, suitable parts of the open-cast mines can also be used as disposal sites for other forms of waste.

• 1. MINING IN GERMANY

• 2. IMPACTS OF OPEN-CAST MINING ON THE ENVIRONMENT

• 3. LEGAL SANCTIONS FOR MINING IN GERMANY

• 4. RESTORATION OF TIPS IN LIGNITE MINING DISTRICTS

• 5. GEOTECHNICAL SAFETY

• 6. REGULATION OF WATER BALANCE

• 7. INTEGRATION OF NEW LANDSCAPES INTO EXISTING SURROUNDINGS

• REFERENCES