The effects of mining on water quality

• Huge quantities of water are used in processing raw materials in mines. This contaminated water is released and pollutes the environment
• Acid mine water, or AMD (acid mine drainage), is formed when reactive minerals in rocks (like metal sulphides) are exposed to water in mining activities to form acids.
• The acid water infiltrates the soil where it remains until it is released in rising water levels when old or disused metal/coal mines are flooded.
• AMD may also contain large quantities of heavy metals like cadmium, copper, cobalt, zinc and radioactive uranium.
• These undesirable metals, radioactive products and waste materials may accumulate in groundwater, rivers and wetlands.
• Negatively impact human health
• Cause serious damage to the natural environment
• pollute freshwater supplies
• There are further risks involved if agricultural land is irrigated with polluted river water.
• Cultivated crops absorb the pollutants, posing health hazards to people and animals who consume these agricultural products.
• Mine water causes deterioration in water quality of many freshwater sources used for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes.
• Possible actions for reducing the effect of mining on water quality

  • Mining companies must be held accountable for the damage caused to the environment including rehabilitation of the area
  • The quality of water should be closely monitored during and after mining activities to assess the impact on the environment