Q17. Mineral resources are fundamental to the country’s economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.
Possible Introductions
Definitional framing:
Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals and ores from the earth. While vital for economic growth and industrialisation, it has been described as a “double-edged sword” due to its significant ecological footprint.
Contextual framing (India):
India, rich in coal, iron ore, bauxite, and rare earths, is blessed to have rich mineral endowment. However, unchecked mining has led to deforestation, groundwater depletion, and pollution, sparking debates over sustainable resource use.
Current affairs framing:
Recent concerns around illegal sand mining in riverbeds and the environmental impact of coal mining in Central India’s forests highlight the trade-off between economic growth and ecological sustainability.
Directive Analysis
“Why is mining considered an environmental hazard” → explain ecological degradation and health risks.
“Explain the remedial measures” → suggest policy, technological, community-based and regulatory measures.
Body of the Answer
1. Why Mining is an Environmental Hazard
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- Deforestation & Habitat Loss: Opencast mining causes large-scale clearing of forests. Example: Vindhyas in Uttar Pradesh.
- Soil Degradation & Erosion: Topsoil removal reduces fertility; abandoned mines create wastelands. Example: Bundelkhand Region.
- Water Pollution: Acid mine drainage contaminates rivers with heavy metals; sand mining alters river morphology.
- Groundwater Depletion: Excessive extraction in bauxite/coal belts reduces aquifer recharge.
- Air Pollution: Dust and particulate matter cause respiratory diseases in nearby populations (PM 2.5 and PM 10 discharges).
- Biodiversity Loss: Mining in ecologically sensitive zones like Western Ghats threatens endemic flora and fauna.
- Social-Health Impacts: Mining-affected areas show higher incidence of silicosis, cancer, and displacement of tribal communities.
2. Remedial Measures to Reduce Environmental Hazards of Mining
A. Policy & Regulatory Measures
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- Strict compliance with Environmental and Forest Clearances (MoEF&CC, Ministry of Coal).
- National Mineral Policy (2019) emphasises sustainable mining and scientific mine closure plans.
B. Innovative Mining Techniques
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- Use of surface miners, continuous miners, and highwall/longwall methods reduces drilling and blasting.
- Blast-free technology and rip-and-load methods minimise dust and noise pollution.
C. Sustainable Transport & Energy Efficiency
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- First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects with mechanised conveyors reduce diesel use and emissions.
- Energy efficiency initiatives—LED lighting, efficient motors, electric vehicles—integrated into coal mining operations.
D. Reclamation, Restoration & Repurposing
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- Afforestation and bio-reclamation: Coal PSUs planted 5+ million saplings annually.
- Eco-parks and mine tourism on reclaimed land promote community engagement.
- Repurposing de-coaled land for renewable energy, agriculture, and water reservoirs.
- Scientific mine closure with global collaborations (World Bank, NEERI, ICFRE).
E. Efficient Use of Mine By-products
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- Mine water treated for irrigation, drinking, dust suppression, and fish farming.
- Overburden-to-M-sand plants reduce dumping and offer sustainable sand alternatives.
F. Renewable & Clean Coal Initiatives
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- Diversification into renewable energy projects and clean coal technologies like CBM.
G. Community-Oriented Approaches
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- District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds support healthcare, education, livelihoods.
- Green Credit Programme: Coal India commits degraded land restoration.
X-Factor: India is repurposing abandoned coal mines into eco-parks, renewable hubs, and water reservoirs—a model of circular economy in mining.
Possible Conclusions
Future-oriented:
Balance economic needs with ecology by integrating “green mining” practices.
Policy-oriented:
Mainstreaming ESG standards in mining is vital for sustainable growth.
Philosophical:
As Gandhi said, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” Sustainable mining ensures justice for both present and future generations.
Diagram Suggestions
Flowchart: Mining → Hazards (Air, Water, Soil, Biodiversity) → Remedial measures (Policy, Tech, Reclamation, Community).
Table: Hazard vs Solution (e.g., Acid mine drainage → Bioremediation).
