With the hottest day ever recorded in the UK hitting a staggering 38.5 degrees in 2003 and the temperature hitting 38.1 degrees in Cambridge on the 25thof July 2019, there is no denying that climate change and the increases in global temperature is a growing problem that needs to be resolved. But how can big industries such as the mining industry help lower carbon emissions and reverse the effects of climate change? In this article, we are looking into how the mining industry is working to reduce its environmental impact.
Increasing Efficiency
The mining industry has long come under fire for the effects that it has on the environment and the disruption it can cause, but in recent years, there has been an increased focus on how they can make the process greener. One of the ways that they have begun to implement these changes is by making mining equipment that works far more efficiently and is longer lasting. With changes such as hard-wearing diamond core drilling equipment and automated equipment, there is less effort needed to operate a mining site, helping to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is produced as a result.
Improving Regulation
Another way that the mining industry is working to resolve the impact that they are having on the environment is through the use of tighter regulations. With a carbon tax implemented in 2018 for 27 countries, this is a cost-effective way of lessening carbon emissions. This is helping to raise awareness on the amount of carbon dioxide being produced and holding large corporations accountable for the damage that they are causing to the environment with every project.
Reclaiming Old Sites
In addition to this, reclaiming old mining sites is another tactic that many companies are using to help decrease the impact that they are having on the environment. By reclaiming old mining sites and reshaping the landscape, they are reducing the amount of illegal mining activity as well as preventing materials from decaying and letting out harmful gasses into the atmosphere. By ensuring that all harmful materials are either contained or removed, they are then reducing the risk of pollution into the atmosphere as well as contamination of water sources, making this crucial for the environmental impacts of the mining industry.
Replenishing the Environment
The final way that the mining industry is reducing its impact is by reshaping the environment and building sanctuaries for wildlife from the mining sites. By removing all the harmful waste from the site and planting trees, they are creating a space for wildlife such as deer, birds and even fish if a pond is made. Through this, man-made sites will take time to be established into the natural environment, this will help to increase the amount of oxygen being produced and make the most of the space that is left behind. This is important to the success of decreasing the environmental impact as this helps to make the most of the earth that is left behind.
Whether they have put steps in place to reclaim old mining sites or companies begin investing in much more efficient machinery, there are a number of ways that the mining industry has begun to implement changes.
