Advancements in Sustainable Mining Practices

Mr.RAJESH KUMAR SAHU
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
KALINGA UNIVERSITY ,RAIPUR

Mining plays a crucial role in modern society but has significant environmental impacts, from habitat destruction to greenhouse gas emissions. To address these concerns, the industry is shifting towards more sustainable practices, aiming to reduce its environmental footprint while ensuring resource efficiency.
1. Waste Reduction and Recycling:
Mining produces a substantial amount of waste, which can harm the environment. Innovations like “dry stacking” allow mines to store waste more safely, reducing water pollution. Additionally, by reprocessing tailings and recycling by-products, mining companies can extract additional minerals and reduce waste.
2. Renewable Energy Adoption:
Mining traditionally depends on fossil fuels, but companies are now transitioning to renewable sources like solar and wind. This shift lowers greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. Battery-powered equipment and electric vehicles are also helping reduce fossil fuel reliance on site.
3. Water Conservation:
Water use in mining is high and often contaminates local supplies. Sustainable practices now include advanced recycling systems, enabling water reuse within the mining process and reducing freshwater withdrawals. Some operations even use closed-loop water systems to minimize their impact.
4. Biodiversity and Land Rehabilitation:
Mining can disrupt local ecosystems. Today, many companies engage in land reclamation and conservation efforts, restoring habitats after mining operations and planting native species to rehabilitate the land for future use.
5. Digital Technology and Automation:
Digital tools, like drones and IoT sensors, allow real-time monitoring of environmental impacts. Autonomous vehicles and equipment reduce resource waste and improve safety, as they can work in hazardous areas without putting workers at risk.
These advancements show the industry’s potential to meet global resource needs sustainably, reducing ecological harm while maximizing operational efficiency. Sustainable mining is essential for a balanced approach to resource extraction and environmental preservation.