The environmental impact of mining includes erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of soil,groundwater, surface water by chemicals from mining processes. In some cases, additional forest logging is done in the vicinity of mines to increase the available room for the storage of the created debris and soil.

Besides creating environmental damage, the contamination resulting from leakage of chemicals also affect the health of the local population. Mining companies in the country are required to follow environmental and rehabilitation codes, ensuring the area mined is returned to close to its original state.

Some mining methods may have significant environmental and public health effects. Erosion of exposed hillsides, mine dumps, tailings dams and resultant siltation of drainages, creeks and rivers can significantly impact the surrounding areas. Goa which a main tourist destination was the first casuality!

I took this shot a couple of years ago while working on an iron ore mining project. My recommendation to the local authorities was to close down these illegal mining activities before Goa turned into a hell hole. Illegal mining was rampant at that time due to the demand from China. Fortunately the Government in all its wisdom has put a ban on all mining operations in the country except those mining companies supplying to domestic steel mills.

Camera: Canon,A555, regular setting, pocket size, handheld. Image cropped and slightly adjusted for brightness.
Enjoy!