In India, the mining industry is a major economic activity that contributes significantly to the country's economy. Over 3,500 mining leases are active in the country, spanning 23 states and covering a total area of 316,290.55 hectares. Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka account for nearly 70% of the total. However, these mineral extractions from nature frequently cause imbalances, which have a huge negative impact on the environment. This article will explain to you Problems related to mining which will be helpful in preparing for Geography for the UPSC Civil service exam.

What is Mining?

• The extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the Earth, usually from an orebody, lode, vein, seam, reef, or placer deposit, is known as mining.
• Mining operations almost always have a negative impact on the environment, both during the mining process and after the mine has closed.
• As a result, most countries have passed regulations to reduce the impact.
• However, because mining plays such a large role in generating revenue for often rural, remote, or economically depressed communities, governments sometimes fail to fully enforce regulations.

Role of Mining in the Indian Economy

• In the coming years, the Indian economy is expected to grow at a rate of around 7%.
• Infrastructure and automobiles will be given a new lease on life, resulting in increased demand for power and steel in the country.
• These fast-growing industries too rely on raw materials from the mining industry.
• The total value of mineral production (excluding atomic and fuel minerals) was estimated to be $16.6 billion in 2017-18, an increase of about 13% over the previous year.
• At the moment, the mining sector contributes 2.3-2.5 % of GDP.
• Between 2013-14 and 2017-18, India's mineral production increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.72 percent.
• It can reduce import costs because it is the world's third largest steel producer, with 101.4 million tonnes of crude steel produced in 2017.
• In FY17, India was the world's largest producer of sheet mica and had the seventh-largest bauxite reserves, with around 2,908.85 million tonnes.
• It is a highly labour-intensive industry that employs both unskilled and skilled workers. Because it is a part of the primary sector, it primarily employs people who are unskilled.
• The growth of the mining-based industry also benefits related industries and contributes to the region's overall development.

Challenges/ Problems Faced

Displacement and Rehabilitation Issues

• People become alienated and distrustful of the government machinery as a result of large-scale displacement, which leads to grievances and ineffective rehabilitation measures.
• The local population is losing more than just land; they are also losing a tribal way of life and their rich cultural heritage.
• Left-wing extremism has flourished in resource-rich states such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
• Miners' lives are also endangered by the rudimentary methods used and the lack of adequate safety equipment and protocols.
• Mine-related accidents, for example, occurred at the Ksan coal mine in Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills in 2018 and Chasnala near Dhanbad in 1975.
• Mine-related deaths, inadequate rehabilitation and developmental steps, among other things, have all resulted in human rights violations.
• Massive local protests against mining have occurred in the Niyamgiri Hills of Odisha, POSCO in Odisha, and a Sterlite protest in Tamil Nadu.
• This is a type of illegal mining that is particularly prevalent in North Eastern states such as Meghalaya (Ksan coal mine incident).
• It entails the vertical and horizontal excavation of very small tunnels [only 3-4 feet high].
• It was banned by the NGT in 2015 because it was unscientific and dangerous to workers.
• Other methods would not be economically viable because the coal seam in Meghalaya is extremely thin.
• The cost of removing rocks from the hilly terrain and erecting pillars inside the mine to keep it from collapsing would be higher.
• This is the most widely used and locally developed technique in Meghalaya.

Environmental/ Health issues

• The Makrana marble mines in Rajasthan have polluted the environment, the Granite mines in Karnataka have left a large hole in the earth, and coal mining has severely polluted the Damodar river.
• Mining activities have resulted in the loss of biodiversity and cultural heritage.
• Mining in a given area causes diseases such as fibrosis, pneumoconiosis, and silicosis in both workers and residents.
• Water pollution – in mining areas, water from streams and rivers has become acidic and unfit for drinking.
• In mining-rich areas, contaminated air with high particulate matter is also a major issue.

Administrative Issues

• Arbitrary coal mine allocations result in lengthy litigation, cancellation of allocations, and accusations of corruption in block allocations.
• Bureaucratic roadblocks cause delays in environmental clearances.
• Investors suffer long delays and losses as a result of judicial intervention.
• For example, in 2017, the Supreme Court imposed harsh penalties in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha for illegal mining without green clearances. In 2018, the Vedanta group was barred from operating in the Niyamgiri Hills of Odisha, and 88 illegal mining leases were closed in Goa.

Government’s Initiatives

• Mining leases are given a star rating in order to create a framework for the Indian mining sector's long-term development.
• In January 2016, the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO signed a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct a pilot project on "mining activity monitoring using satellite imagery" to deter illegal mining.
• The Mining Surveillance System (MSS) is a technology that uses automatic remote sensing to detect illegal mining.
• Under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana [PMKKKY], the District Mineral Foundation Fund (DMF) was established for the benefit of mining-affected people and areas.
• The National Mineral Exploration Policy was published in order to entice private exploration companies.
• For mining and exploration of metal and nonmetal ores, 100% FDI is permitted via the automatic route.
• And there's a process for getting approval to mine titanium-bearing minerals and ores.

Way Forward

• There is a need to speed up the clearance process in order to make the best use of mineral resources.
• To prevent mine-related accidents, strict enforcement of mining-related rules is required, particularly the prohibition on Rat-Hole and unscientific mining.
• Block allocations should be transparent, and a rule-based order should be established.
• Technology is being used to improve mineral exploration and surveillance systems.
• The displaced population must be properly rehabilitated, and tribal rights must be respected in accordance with the law.
• Before allocating the projects, proper environmental impact assessments (EIA) and social impact assessments (SIA) must be completed.
• DMF should be used to build physical and social infrastructure, and efforts should be made to include the local population in the process.
• A proper regulatory framework for the implementation of the NGT guidelines for forest protection and environmental minimization.
• Adopting international best practices in operations and ensuring safe working conditions for miners.
• Taking precautions to avoid workplace hazards.

Conclusion

The reduction of mining's environmental impacts should be the focus of a common sustainable mining framework. Besides, all stages of the mine life cycle (exploration, mine planning, construction, mineral extraction, mine closure, and post-closure reclamation and rehabilitation) must employ sustainability principles.

FAQs

Question: What are the main environmental problems caused by mining?

Question: How does mining impact human health?

Question: What is acid mine drainage?

Question: How does mining contribute to deforestation?

Question: What measures can be taken to mitigate the negative impacts of mining?

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a major environmental problem caused by mining?

A) Increased rainfall

B) Habitat destruction and soil erosion

C) Improved air quality

D) Rapid population growth

2. What is acid mine drainage?

A) A method for water purification

B) The contamination of water by acidic water from mines

C) A process to increase mining efficiency

D) A type of soil conservation technique

3. How can mining negatively affect human health?

A) By promoting better living conditions

B) Through exposure to harmful substances such as dust and heavy metals

C) By improving community health services

D) By providing clean water

4. Mining contributes to deforestation by:

A) Increasing forest cover

B) Building wildlife sanctuaries

C) Clearing land to access mineral resources

D) Encouraging tree planting

5. What measure can help mitigate the negative impacts of mining?

A) Ignoring environmental regulations

B) Sustainable mining practices and reforestation

C) Expanding mining operations without restrictions

D) Reducing renewable energy use

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the major environmental and social impacts of mining activities.

Answer: Mining activities can have severe environmental and social impacts. Environmentally, mining leads to deforestation, soil erosion, contamination of water bodies with toxic chemicals, and air pollution due to dust and emissions. These issues degrade ecosystems, harm wildlife, and contribute to climate change. Socially, mining affects local communities through displacement, health risks from exposure to pollutants, and the exploitation of labor. Mining often creates social unrest due to land disputes and unequal distribution of economic benefits. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable mining practices, strict regulation, and community involvement to minimize adverse effects and promote equitable development.

Q2: Explain the phenomenon of acid mine drainage and its impact on ecosystems.

Answer: Acid mine drainage (AMD) occurs when sulfide minerals in rocks are exposed to air and water, forming sulfuric acid. This acidic water leaches heavy metals from surrounding rocks, contaminating nearby rivers, lakes, and groundwater. AMD poses a significant threat to ecosystems, as it lowers water pH, making it toxic for aquatic life and reducing biodiversity. The contamination of water sources also affects human health and agriculture, disrupting livelihoods. Mitigating AMD requires proper waste management, sealing of exposed sulfide minerals, and the use of treatment systems to neutralize acidic water and prevent contamination.

Q3: Analyze the measures needed to ensure sustainable mining practices.

Answer: Ensuring sustainable mining practices requires a multi-faceted approach, including strict enforcement of environmental regulations, implementation of advanced pollution control technologies, and the rehabilitation of mined lands. Sustainable mining involves reducing the ecological footprint through efficient resource extraction, minimizing waste, and promoting renewable energy use in operations. Engaging local communities in decision-making, providing fair labor conditions, and conducting regular environmental impact assessments are crucial for sustainable practices. Reforestation and land reclamation efforts further mitigate mining impacts, restoring biodiversity and ecosystem health while ensuring long-term benefits for society and the environment.

Previous Year Questions on  Problems related to mining

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: Evaluate the impact of mining on water resources and suggest measures for sustainable water management in mining regions.

Answer: Mining significantly impacts water resources through contamination, excessive water usage, and alteration of natural water flows. Chemicals used in mining processes can leach into water bodies, causing pollution and affecting aquatic life and human health. Excessive water extraction can deplete local water tables, leading to scarcity for nearby communities. Sustainable water management measures include implementing water recycling and treatment systems, minimizing water usage through efficient techniques, and preventing water contamination with strict waste disposal regulations. Community involvement and regular monitoring of water quality ensure effective management and reduce mining's adverse effects on water resources.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: Discuss the challenges and opportunities of adopting sustainable mining practices in India.

Answer: Adopting sustainable mining practices in India faces challenges such as inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations, lack of advanced technology, and limited community participation. Small-scale and unregulated mining operations often cause environmental degradation and social issues. However, opportunities exist through the adoption of advanced mining technologies, promoting renewable energy use, and enforcing stricter regulations. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, industries, and local communities can drive sustainable practices. By addressing these challenges, India can mitigate mining's negative impacts, promote resource conservation, and achieve balanced economic development.