Mining and Environment

One of the key objectives of the OMENTIN network is to exchange information on the environmental impact of mining activities and the state-of-the-art in remediation. Discussions also touch on relevant Environmental Impact Assessment regulations and guidelines in a pan-European context.

An overview of the key issues

The environmental legacy of 2000 years of mining in Europe still poses a threat to the well-being of Europe's population, for example through acid leaching from abandoned mine sites into ground and surface waters.

Mining operations - even if state-of-the-art and in full compliance with relevant regulations - pose a risk to people and the environment. A major concern are inadequate level of security either during design or construction. Consequently, further improvements in design, construction and operating practices should reduce the health and environmental risks in the future.

The pollution caused by the heavy metal spillage from the tailings lagoons of the last three accidents in Spain and Romania (one in Romania including cyanide contamination) are unfortunate examples of the European significance of mining-related pollution problems. The management of tailings is one of the most significant environmental threats from mining operations.

For the time being each EU country has its own procedures for tailings containment. Currently there is no EU directive on mining waste management, although it is already on the high-level political agenda. Please see our publications page to read more about the state-of-the-art in mine tailing spill remediation and recultivation.

As water is a vital raw material for the processing of mineral ore, the emission of waste water represents a major threat to the aquatic systems (such as wetlands, streams, rivers, floodplains, lakes, marshes and estuaries). The OMENTIN network therefore promotes the precautionary principle and preventive actions to mitigate environmental damages at source.

The conduction of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is legally binding and therefore must be integrated in all stages from exploration through operations to decommissioning and mine site closures.

Beyond its original environmental objectives, the conduction of Environmental Impact Assessments also fosters a more careful planning process, bringing significant savings and competitive advantage through improved operational and production efficiency and increased community acceptance. Best practice EIA helps choosing the most suitable economic and environmental options.

For a detailed discussion of all these issues please see our publications.