Distribution and transport of contaminants in soil through mining processes and its environmental impact and health hazard assessment: A review of the prospective solutions

Environ Res. 2024 Jan 1;240(Pt 2):117473. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117473. Epub 2023 Oct 21.

Abstract

Environmental regulations were concerned with support in reaction to the enormous ecological harm caused by mining in the past. Because mining, dumping, and tailings can generate waste and radioactive consequences, society must develop methods for successfully treating mining waste from mine dumps, tailings, and abandoned mines. Strict policies associated with environmental regulations to avoid the possible dangers caused by garbage and radioactivity. Several characteristics, including background contamination from natural sources related to mineral deposits, contamination from industrial activities in three-dimensional subsurface space, a problem with long-term remediation following mine closure, a problem with secondary contaminated areas near mine sites, land use conflicts, and abandoned mines, distinguish it. Reusing and recycling mine waste occasionally results in cost-effective advantages in the mining sector by offsetting natural resource requirements and reducing the volume of garbage materials. These benefits stem from recycling and reusing mining waste, which can lower the amount of garbage that must be managed. This review focuses on realistic strategies for anticipating mining exploration control and attempts to examine those methods in-depth. Management strategies for limiting the environmental impact of mining dumps, stockpiles, and tailings were discussed. The environmental assessment was also mentioned to carry out specific control and take preventive actions.

Keywords: Environmental impact; Metal contamination; Minerals; Mining; Risk assessment; Sustainability issues.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Environment
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Metals, Heavy* / analysis
  • Minerals / analysis
  • Mining
  • Prospective Studies
  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants* / analysis

Substances

  • Soil
  • Minerals
  • Soil Pollutants
  • Metals, Heavy