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. (UPSC 2025)

Mineral extraction supports industry, energy and jobs, but mining often damages land, water, air and human health at the source. Its impacts are not local and temporary; they can become long-term and sometimes irreversible if not managed scientifically.

• Why mining is an environmental hazard
  • Land degradation: Deforestation, removal of topsoil, overburden dumps and slope cutting cause erosion, landslides and loss of biodiversity.
  • Land subsidence: Underground voids and excessive pumping can lead to surface collapse, as seen in coal belts.
  • Water pollution: Acid mine drainage releases sulphuric acid and heavy metals into rivers and groundwater; tailings also contaminate aquifers.
  • Water scarcity: Mine dewatering lowers the water table and dries wells and ponds in nearby areas.
  • Air pollution: Blasting, drilling, crushing and transport generate fine dust; coal mining also releases methane.
  • Health and social costs: Dust-related diseases, displacement of communities and loss of livelihoods increase vulnerability.
• Remedial measures
  • Use scientific and green mining: surface miners, controlled blasting, conveyor transport and dust suppression.
  • Ensure environmental impact assessment with cumulative basin-level study, not isolated project appraisal.
  • Treat mine water through neutralisation, recycling and constructed wetlands; strengthen tailings safety.
  • Adopt progressive mine closure, backfilling, slope stabilisation and afforestation of degraded land.
  • Use DMF and PMKKKY funds for restoration, drinking water, healthcare and livelihood support in affected areas.
  • Enforce strict compliance, polluter-pays liability and community participation, especially in forest and tribal regions.

Thus, mining must move from extraction at any cost to regulated, low-impact and restorative practices. Only a balance between resource use, ecological security and local rights can make mineral development sustainable.