The Use of Cleaner Technology in Mining Industry

Abstract

Mining is one of mankind's oldest industries. It meets the raw material needs of many sectors. Mines, formed in millions of years, cannot be replaced when consumed, so planned and obligatory to operate in a rational manner are the common values that nature provides to humanity. There are five steps in mining; searching, land preparation and preparation, operating, mine closure and monitoring, post-shutdown monitoring. Hence, it is necessary to deal economically, efficiently and safely of every steps of the mining process. Also, there are different types of mining operation because of geological structure, location of ore, geotechnical property of rock and the grade of ore resulting, different type of environmental damage. Mining industry can produce some problematic waste that are tailing and waste rock which threaten to environment such as acid drainage and mobilization of metals. Even in areas where emissions from the mine site are prevented, wildlife (especially birds) can be exposed to these toxic substances. In order to make mining an environmentally friendly process, new technological studies are carried out in various places. Many mining companies all over the world are improving their environmental performance by using new technologies that can significantly reduce the water and energy usage. This practice can reduce environmental pollution and can help in remediating the sites after the mining operation is completed. In this study, methods applied worldwide for waste management and pollution prevention applications in mining will be discussed and examples will be given around the world.