What Are the Disadvantages of Opencast Mining?
Opencast mining, also known as surface mining or strip mining, has disadvantages that include disturbance of the environment and local ecosystems, exposure of radioactive elements and contamination of freshwater sources. The use of heavy machinery and blasting techniques also create environmental pollution.
The presence of pits and ponds around mines contributes to groundwater contamination. Rock blasting creates fractures in the rock, allowing mine drainage leakage from abandoned mines into groundwater aquifers. Contaminated groundwater typically has a higher pH and total hardness, and contains dissolved sulfate. Radioactive elements produced from rock slurries can also pollute groundwater by leaking into fractured bedrock. Surface mining also contributes to air pollution through the release of toxic compounds. These particulates react with water vapor to produce acid rain.