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.

Why is mining considered an environmental hazard?

• Deforestation and biodiversity loss: Open-cast mining requires removal of vegetation and overburden, causing habitat destruction, fragmentation and loss of biodiversity.
  • Example: Mining pressures in Hasdeo Arand illustrate the conflict between coal extraction, forest conservation and community interests.

• Land degradation and soil erosion: Excavation, blasting and removal of topsoil alter natural landforms, causing erosion, slope instability and wasteland formation.
  • Example: Unscientific mining in fragile Himalayan and Western Ghats landscapes can aggravate erosion and landslide risks.

• Water pollution and hydrological disruption: Mine runoff and tailings can introduce heavy metals, toxic substances and acidic drainage into rivers and groundwater.
  • Example: Riverbed sand and stone mining in Assam has raised concerns over altered river channels, bank erosion and increased flood vulnerability during the 2026 Assam floods.

• Air pollution and health hazards: Blasting, drilling, crushing and transportation generate particulate matter and mineral dust, affecting workers, communities and surrounding vegetation.
  • Example: Dust generated around mining and mineral-processing areas can cause prolonged respiratory exposure among workers and nearby communities.

• Resource depletion: Mining can consume substantial quantities of water and energy, competing with ecological and community requirements.
  • Example: Water-intensive mineral extraction in water-stressed regions can increase pressure on local water resources.

• Toxic and radioactive waste: Certain mining activities generate hazardous waste that can contaminate soil, water and ecosystems if inadequately managed.
  • Example: Jadugoda uranium mining in Jharkhand highlights the need for rigorous management of radioactive ore and tailings; a 2025 study reported community concerns regarding exposure and health impacts, while official monitoring reports continue to state that radiation exposure remains within prescribed limits.

• Social and livelihood impacts: Mining can lead to displacement and affect tribal land, forests and traditional livelihoods, making environmental degradation a social justice issue.
  • Example: Mining proposals in Niyamgiri brought tribal rights, forest conservation and mineral extraction into direct conflict.

Remedial measures to reduce environmental hazards

• Rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment: Mining projects should undergo credible EIA, public hearings and social assessment before approval, with cumulative ecological impacts properly assessed.
  • Example: The precautionary principle requires environmental risks to be assessed before mining begins rather than regularising violations through ex-post facto clearances.

• Demarcation of No-Go zones: Ecologically sensitive areas, protected forests and critical wildlife habitats should be identified and kept outside mining where ecological costs are unacceptable.
  • Example: High-value forest landscapes such as parts of the Western Ghats and Hasdeo region require strict ecological safeguards.

• Scientific and sustainable mining: Adoption of controlled excavation, topsoil preservation, backfilling, dust suppression, water management and effluent treatment can reduce ecological damage.
  • Example: Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and water-sprinkling systems can prevent untreated discharge and reduce mining-related dust.

• Progressive mine reclamation and closure: Restoration should begin during mining through backfilling, topsoil conservation, afforestation and ecological rehabilitation, supported by adequate financial assurance.
  • Example: Closed mines can be restored using native vegetation and land reclamation rather than being left as permanent wastelands.

• Technology-based monitoring: Remote sensing, GIS, drones and digital monitoring should be used to detect illegal mining and monitor environmental compliance.
  • Example: Satellite and UAV-based surveillance can identify unauthorised sand mining and riverbed excavation.

• Strict regulation of sand mining: Riverbed extraction should follow scientifically prepared District Survey Reports, depth limits, bank protection norms and seasonal restrictions.
  • Example: The NGT's 2025 proceedings concerning Morigaon, Assam highlighted violations of sustainable sand-mining guidelines and directed closure of the concerned mining operation.

• Circular economy and mineral recycling: Greater recovery of metals from e-waste and end-of-life products can reduce dependence on virgin mineral extraction.
  • Example: Recycling valuable metals from discarded electronics can reduce pressure on primary mining.

• Community participation and tribal rights: Mining governance should respect Gram Sabha participation, PESA, FRA and customary community rights, particularly in tribal areas.
  • Example: The Niyamgiri judgment recognised the role of Gram Sabhas in deciding community and religious rights in forest areas affected by mining proposals.

• Effective use of District Mineral Foundation: DMF funds should be transparently used for health, education, drinking water and livelihood restoration in mining-affected areas.
  • Example: DMF expenditure can help compensate communities for the socio-economic costs associated with mineral extraction.