Search Results (743)

The mining industry (MI) in mineral-rich regions is pivotal for economic growth but is challenged by significant pollution and emissions. This study examines Guangxi, a representative region in China, in light of the country’s “Dual Carbon” goals. We quantified carbon emissions from the MI from 2005 to 2021, employing the generalized Divisia index method (GDIM) to analyze the factors driving these emissions. Additionally, a system dynamics (SD) model was developed, integrating economic, demographic, energy, environmental, and policy variables to assess decarbonization strategies and the potential for carbon decoupling. The key findings include the following: (1) Carbon accounting analysis reveals a rising emission trend in Guangxi’s MI, predominantly driven by electricity consumption, with the non-ferrous metal mining sector contributing the largest share of total emissions. (2) The primary drivers of carbon emissions were identified as economic scale, population intensity, and energy intensity, with periodic fluctuations in sector-specific drivers necessitating coordinated policy adjustments. (3) Scenario analysis showed that the Emission Reduction Scenario (ERS) is the only approach that achieves a carbon peak before 2030, indicating that it is the most effective decarbonization pathway. (4) Between 2022 and 2035, carbon decoupling from total output value is projected to improve under both the Energy-Saving Scenario (ESS) and ERS, achieving strong decoupling, while the resource extraction shows limited decoupling effects often displaying an expansionary connection. This study aims to enhance the understanding and promote the advancement of green and low-carbon development within the MI in mineral-rich regions. Full article

This paper examines Krivelj, a copper mining village in Serbia, as a critical yet overlooked node within global extractive networks. Despite supplying copper essential for renewable energy and sustainable architecture, Krivelj experiences severe ecological disruption, forced relocations, and socio-spatial destabilization, becoming a “sacrifice zone”—an area deliberately subjected to harm for broader economic interests. Employing a hybrid methodology that combines ethnographic fieldwork with Geographic Information Systems (GISs), this study spatializes narratives of extractive violence collected from residents through walking interviews, field sketches, and annotated aerial imagery. By integrating satellite data, legal documents, environmental sensors, and lived testimonies, it uncovers the concept of “slow violence,” where incremental harm occurs through bureaucratic neglect, ambient pollution, and legal ambiguity. Critiquing the abstraction of Planetary Urbanization theory, this research employs countertopography and forensic spatial analysis to propose a counter-cartographic framework that integrates geospatial analysis with local narratives. It demonstrates how global mining finance manifests locally through tangible experiences, such as respiratory illnesses and disrupted community relationships, emphasizing the potential of counter-cartography as a tool for visualizing and contesting systemic injustice. Full article

Coal gangue, a major by-product of coal mining, poses significant environmental challenges due to its large-scale accumulation, land occupation, and potential for air and water pollution. This manuscript presents a comprehensive overview of continuous chamber gangue storage technology as a sustainable mining solution for coal mines. The principles of this approach emphasize minimizing disturbance to overlying strata, enabling uninterrupted mining operations, and reducing both production costs and environmental risks. By storing the surface or underground gangue in continuous chambers, the proposed method ensures the roof stability, maximizes the waste storage, and prevents the interaction between mining and waste management processes. Detailed storage sequences and excavation methods are discussed, including continuous and jump-back excavation strategies tailored to varying roof conditions. The process flows for both underground and ground-based chamber storage are described, highlighting the integration of gangue crushing, paste preparation, and pipeline transport for efficient underground storage. In a case study with annual storage of 500,000 t gangue, the annual economic benefit reached CNY 1,111,425,000. This technology not only addresses the urgent need for sustainable coal gangue management, but also aligns with the goals of resource conservation, ecological protection, and the advancement of green mining practices in the coal industry. Full article

Heavy metal pollution due to mining activities poses a significant threat to agricultural production, ecosystem health, and food security in South Africa. This review integrates current knowledge on the use of mustard spinach (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) for the bioremediation of polluted water and soil, focusing on enhancing phytoremediation efficiency through the use of silicon-based biostimulant treatments. Mustard spinach is known for its capacity to accumulate and tolerate high levels of toxic metals, such as Pb, Cd, and Hg, owing to its strong physiological and biochemical defense mechanisms, including metal chelation, antioxidant activity, and osmotic adjustment. However, phytoremediation potential is often constrained by the negative impact of heavy metal stress on plant growth. Recent studies have shown that silicon-based biostimulants can alleviate metal toxicity by reducing metal bioavailability, increasing metal immobilization, and improving the antioxidative capacity and growth of plants. Combining silicon amendments with mustard spinach cultivation is a promising, eco-friendly approach to the remediation of mining-impacted soils and waters, potentially restoring agricultural productivity and reducing health risks to the resident populations. This review elucidates the multifaceted mechanisms by which silicon-enhanced phytoremediation operates, including soil chemistry modification, metal sequestration, antioxidant defense, and physiological resilience, while highlighting the practical, field-applicable benefits of this combined approach. Furthermore, it identifies urgent research priorities, such as field validation and the optimization of silicon application methods. Full article

To address the limitations of traditional hardened concrete road surfaces in coal mine tunnels, which are prone to damage and entail high maintenance costs, this study proposes using modular concrete blocks composed of fly ash and coal gangue as an alternative to conventional materials. These blocks offer advantages including ease of construction and rapid, straightforward maintenance, while also facilitating the reuse of substantial quantities of solid waste, thereby mitigating resource wastage and environmental pollution. Initially, the mineral composition of the raw materials was analyzed, confirming that although the physical and chemical properties of Liangshui Well coal gangue are slightly inferior to those of natural crushed stone, they still meet the criteria for use as concrete aggregate. For concrete blocks incorporating 20% fly ash, the steam curing process was optimized with a recommended static curing period of 16–24 h, a temperature ramp-up rate of 20 °C/h, and a constant temperature of 50 °C maintained for 24 h to ensure optimal performance. Orthogonal experimental analysis revealed that fly ash content exerted the greatest influence on the compressive strength of concrete, followed by the additional water content, whereas the aggregate particle size had a comparatively minor effect. The optimal mix proportion was identified as 20% fly ash content, a maximum aggregate size of 20 mm, and an additional water content of 70%. Performance testing indicated that the fabricated blocks exhibited a compressive strength of 32.1 MPa and a tensile strength of 2.93 MPa, with strong resistance to hydrolysis and sulfate attack, rendering them suitable for deployment in weakly alkaline underground environments. Considering the site-specific conditions of the Liangshuijing coal mine, ANSYS 2020 was employed to simulate and analyze the mechanical behavior of the blocks under varying loads, thicknesses, and dynamic conditions. The findings suggest that hexagonal coal gangue blocks with a side length of 20 cm and a thickness of 16 cm meet the structural requirements of most underground mine tunnels, offering a reference model for cost-effective paving and efficient roadway maintenance in coal mines. Full article

Taxco de Alarcón (Mexico) has been affected by mining activities and the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). In this study, water samples from the Acamixtla, Taxco, and San Juan rivers were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to determine PTE concentrations. Statistical analyses included principal component analysis, Pearson’s correlation, the Pollution Index, and a Health Risk Assessment. Additionally, solid samples from the San Juan River with leachate from the “La Guadalupana” Mine (RSJMG S2.3) were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Identified PTEs included As, Cr, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Se, and Li. Principal component analysis explained 94.8% of the data variance, and Pearson’s correlation revealed significant associations (p < 0.05) among Fe, As, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn. The RSJMG S2.3 site exhibited the highest Pollution Index value (8491.56) and the highest health exposure risks. Lower contamination levels at other sites may be attributed to the complexation of PTEs with ferrihydrite, which was identified in the RSJMG S2.3 site through microscopy and infrared analyses. These findings suggest that the in situ formation of ferrihydrite may enhance the adsorption of PTEs, thereby mitigating environmental contamination and potential health risks. Full article

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Burkina Faso increasingly relies on cyanide, intensifying concerns about environmental contamination and human exposure. This study assessed free cyanide levels in water and soil across three ASGM sites—Zougnazagmiline, Guido, and Galgouli. Water samples (surface and groundwater) and topsoil (0–20 cm) were analyzed using the pyridine–pyrazolone method. Data were statistically and spatially processed using SPSS version 29.0 and the Google Earth Engine in conjunction with QGIS version 3.34, respectively. A site conceptual model (SCM) was also developed, based on the literature review, field observations, and validation by multidisciplinary experts in public health, toxicology, ecotoxicology, environmental engineering, and the mining sector, through a semi-structured survey. The results showed that 9.26% of the water samples exceeded the WHO guideline (0.07 mg/L), with peaks of 1.084 mg/L in Guido and 2.42 mg/L in Galgouli. At Zougnazagmiline, the water type differences were significant (F = 64.13; p < 0.001), unlike the other sites. In the soil, 29.36% of the samples exceeded 0.5 mg/kg, with concentrations reaching 9.79 mg/kg in Galgouli. A spatial analysis revealed pollution concentrated near the mining areas but spreading to residential and agricultural zones. The validated SCM integrates pollution sources, transport mechanisms, exposure routes, and vulnerable populations, offering a structured tool for environmental monitoring and health risk assessment in cyanide-impacted mining regions. Full article

Environmental comfort and air pollution are among the most important indicators for assessing the population’s quality of life in urban agglomerations. This study aims to explore long-term memory in air pollution time series by analyzing the dynamics of the Hurst exponent and evaluating the predictability index. This type of statistical pre-forecast analysis is essential for developing accurate forecasting models for such time series. The effectiveness of air quality monitoring systems largely depends on the precision of these forecasts. The Ekibastuz coal-mining center, which houses one of the largest coal-fired power stations in Kazakhstan and the world, with a capacity of about 4000 MW, was chosen as an example for the study. Data for the period from 1 March 2023 to 31 December 2024 were collected and analyzed at the Ekibastuz coal-fired power station. During the specified period, 14 indicators (67,527 observations) were collected at 10 min intervals, including mass concentrations of CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀, as well as current mass consumption of CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, dust, and NO_x. The detrended fluctuation analysis of a time series of air pollution indicators was used to calculate the Hurst exponent and identify long-term memory. Changes in the Hurst exponent in regards to dynamics were also investigated, and a predictability index was calculated to monitor emissions of pollutants in the air. Long-term memory is recorded in the structure of all the time series of air pollution indicators. Dynamic analysis of the Hurst exponent confirmed persistent time series characteristics, with an average Hurst exponent of about 0.7. Identifying the time series plots for which the Hurst exponent is falling (analysis of the indicator of dynamics), along with the predictability index, is a sign of an increase in the influence of random factors on the time series. This is a sign of changes in the dynamics of the pollutant release concentrations and may indicate possible excess emissions that need to be controlled. Calculating the dynamic changes in the Hurst exponent for the emission time series made it possible to identify two distinct clusters corresponding to periods of persistence and randomness in the operation of the coal-fired power station. The study shows that evaluating the predictability index helps fine-tune the parameters of time series forecasting models, which is crucial for developing reliable air pollution monitoring systems. The results obtained in this study allow us to conclude that the method of trended fluctuation analysis can be the basis for creating an indicator of the level of air pollution, which allows us to quickly respond to possible deviations from the established standards. Environmental services can use the results to build reliable monitoring systems for air pollution from coal combustion emissions, especially near populated areas. Full article

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) poses significant environmental challenges globally, particularly due to mercury (Hg) use. As an example, in Ecuador, Hg use still persists, despite its official ban in 2015. This study investigated the geogenic and anthropogenic contributions of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Ponce Enriquez Mining District (PEMD), a region characterized by hydrothermally altered basaltic bedrock and Au-mineralized quartz veins. To assess local baseline values and identify PTE-bearing minerals, a comprehensive geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic analysis was conducted on bedrock and mineralized veins. These findings reveal distinct origins for the studied PTEs, which include Hg, As, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, Sb, Zn, and V. Specifically, Hg concentrations in stream sediments downstream (up to 50 ppm) far exceed natural bedrock levels (0.03–0.707 ppm), unequivocally indicating significant anthropogenic input from gold amalgamation. Furthermore, copper shows elevated concentration primarily linked to gold extraction. Conversely, other elements like As, Ni, Cr, Co, Sb, Zn, and V are primarily exhibited to be naturally abundant in basalts due to the presence of primary mafic minerals and to hydrothermal alterations, with elevated concentrations particularly seen in sulfides like pyrite and arsenopyrite. To distinguish natural geochemical anomalies from mining-related contamination, especially in volcanic terrains, this study utilizes Upper Continental Crust (UCC) normalization and local bedrock baselines. This multi-faceted approach effectively helped to differentiate basalt subgroups and assess natural concentrations, thereby avoiding misinterpretations of naturally elevated element concentrations as mining-related pollution. Crucially, this work establishes a robust local geochemical baseline for the PEMD area, providing a critical framework for accurate environmental risk assessments and sustainable mineral resource management, and informing national environmental quality standards and remediation efforts in Ecuador. It underscores the necessity of evaluating local geology, including inherent mineralization, when defining environmental baselines and understanding the fate of PTEs in mining-impacted environments. Full article

This review contains a compilation of data about the occurrence, mining, refining, and biological actions of lithium, without claiming completeness of knowledge. This should give a baseline for judging future pollutions of environmental and agricultural items and human nutrition and may show still existing gaps of screening. Emerging electromobility and use of computers leads to a steep increase in Li-based batteries, which are a source of hazardous waste unless recycled. Lack of recovery methods from effluents and sewage, however, will increase pollution with soluble Li-salts from increasing mining and waste in the future; therefore, biochemical effects of levels out of ambient range have been included. Many published data are hidden in multi-element tables, including the data of the author. Mobile fractions of soils and soil-to-plant transfer, as well as retainment in animal tissues, are low. A lot of data, starting from geology via soils, plants, water, and human nutrition, lead to a largely unknown average daily intake for men. With respect to nutrition of dairy cows, the contribution of Li from water was highest among all elements investigated, but only 4% of intake. Main sources for human nutrition are mineral water and table salt. Li is not labelled on mineral water bottles, nor table salt, which are the main sources. Though some data have been gathered, for human nutrition, the average daily intake is uncertain to estimate because some mineral waters are quite high in Li. Full article

Mobile phone waste management is a growing environmental challenge, with improper disposal contributing to resource depletion, pollution and missed opportunities for material recovery. This study presents the findings of a dual-purpose survey (11,163 respondents) conducted in a wide academic context in Italy, aimed at both assessing mobile phones disposal behaviors and knowledge and raising awareness through structured educational prompts about sustainable e-waste management. The results reveal significant behavioral patterns and knowledge gaps across demographic groups. While most respondents (90.6%) own one phone, males tend to have more than females. Phones are replaced every 3–5 years by 48.8% of users and every 1–3 years by 36.7%, with students tending to replace them earlier. Only 20.2% replace their phone when irreparable while 46% replace them due to high repair costs. A large majority (92.3%) store old devices at home, forming an estimated urban mine of 29,799 unused phones. The awareness of hazardous components is higher than that of critical raw materials, with males more informed than females and students in scientific fields displaying greater awareness than those in humanities and health disciplines. The awareness of official take-back programs is particularly low, especially among younger generations. Notably, 90% reported increased awareness from the educational survey and 93.1% expressed willingness to use an on-campus e-waste collection system. These results highlight the role of universities as catalysts for sustainable behavior, supporting the design of targeted educational strategies and policy actions in line with circular economy principles and Sustainable Development Goal 12 “Responsible consumption and production”. Full article

Carbonaceous–siliceous–argillaceous rock-type uranium deposits, a major uranium resource in China, pose significant environmental risks due to heavy metal contamination. Geochemical investigations in the former Zoige uranium mine revealed elevated As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, U, and Zn concentrations in soils and sediments, particularly at river confluences and downstream regions, attributed to leachate migration from ore bodies and tailings ponds. Surface samples exhibited high Cd bioavailability. The integrated BCR and mineral analysis reveals that Acid-soluble and reducible fractions of Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb are governed by carbonate dissolution and Fe-Mn oxide dynamics via silicate weathering, while residual and oxidizable fractions show weak mineral-phase dependencies. Positive Matrix Factorization identified natural lithogenic, anthropogenic–natural composite, mining-related sources. Pollution assessments using geo-accumulation index and contamination factor demonstrated severe contamination disparities: soils showed extreme Cd pollution, moderate U, As, Zn contamination, and no Cr, Pb pollution (overall moderate risk); sediments exhibited extreme Cd pollution, moderate Ni, Zn, U levels, and negligible Cr, Pb impacts (overall extreme risk). USEPA health risk models indicated notable non-carcinogenic (higher in adults) and carcinogenic risks (higher in children) for both age groups. Ecological risk assessments categorized As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn as low risk, contrasting with Cd (extremely high risk) and sediment-bound U (high risk). These findings underscore mining legacy as a critical environmental stressor and highlight the necessity for multi-source pollution mitigation strategies. Full article

Deciduous teeth accumulate toxic metals until fully mineralized, making them a stable biological matrix for assessing chronic exposure during fetal and early postnatal life. Their metal content is influenced by environmental factors (e.g., industrial areas, mining sites) and individual factors (e.g., maternal diet, early nutrition, passive smoking). The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic metal content in deciduous teeth and to identify factors contributing to its accumulation, as well as possible health implications. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and following the PICO framework. Quality assessment was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for quasi-experimental studies. The literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the following keywords: deciduous, milk, primary, decidua, teeth, dentition, heavy metal, toxic metals. A total of 134 articles were initially identified, with 95 remaining after duplicate removal. After screening, 75 articles were excluded: 71 did not meet the inclusion criteria, 3 were not available in English, and 1 lacked full-text access. Ultimately, 20 studies were included in the review. Toxic metal concentrations were determined using various analytical techniques, mainly inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Higher levels of metals, especially lead, were observed in the teeth of children residing in industrial areas, near mines, or in regions affected by armed conflict. Although two out of five studies indicated a possible link between fathers’ smoking habits and elevated lead concentrations, no definitive relationship was established between secondhand smoke exposure and the levels of lead and cadmium found in dental tissue. Similarly, no definitive relationship was identified between mercury and lead content and the prevalence of autism. However, lower manganese levels were associated with the presence of autistic traits, weaker verbal performance, and reduced memory capacity. In conclusion, deciduous teeth represent a valuable biological material for assessing chronic prenatal and early postnatal exposure to toxic metals, which may serve as a starting point for further research into diseases of unknown etiology, such as autism, and in the future may have clinical significance in their prevention and treatment. And it is also important for monitoring environmental pollution levels. Full article

Mining activities in Pakistan’s mineral-rich provinces threaten freshwater security through groundwater depletion, contamination, and flood-induced pollution. This study develops an Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR) framework integrating governance, social, environmental, and technical (GSET) dimensions to holistically assess mining-induced water hazards across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. Using GIS-based spatial risk mapping with multi-layer hydrological modeling, we combine computational analysis and participatory validation to identify vulnerability hotspots and prioritize high-risk mines. Community workshops involving women water collectors, indigenous leaders, and local experts enhanced map accuracy by translating indigenous knowledge into spatially referenced mitigation plans and integrating gender-sensitive metrics to address gendered water access disparities. Key findings reveal severe groundwater depletion, acid mine drainage, and gendered burdens near Saindak and Cherat mines. Multi-sectoral engagements secured corporate commitments for water stewardship and policy advances in inclusive governance. The framework employs four priority-ranked risk categories (Governance-Economic 15%, Social-Community 30%, Environmental 40%, Technical-Geological 15%) derived via local stakeholder collaboration, enabling context-specific interventions. Despite data limitations, the GIS-driven methodology provides a scalable model for regions facing socio-environmental vulnerabilities. The results demonstrate how community participation directly shaped village-level water management alongside GSET analysis to craft equitable risk reduction strategies. Spatially explicit risk maps guided infrastructure upgrades and zoning regulations, advancing SDG 6 and 13 progress in Pakistan. This work underscores the value of inclusive, weighted frameworks for sustainable mining–water nexus management in Pakistan and analogous contexts. Full article

As a legacy of historical metal mining and the processing and smelting of metalliferous ores, metal pollution is a serious environmental problem in many areas around the globe. This review summarizes the history, technical development and environmental hazards of historic metal mining and metallurgical activities in the Harz Region (Germany), one of the oldest and most productive mining landscapes in Central Europe. The release of large amounts of metal-containing waste into rivers during historic ore processing and the ongoing leaching of metals from slag heaps, tailings dumps and contaminated soils and sediments are the main sources of metal pollution in the Harz Mountains and its foreland. This pollution extends along river systems with tributaries from the Harz Mountains and can even be detected in mudflats of the North Sea. In addition to fluvial discharges, atmospheric pollution by smelter smoke has led to long-term damage to soils and vegetation in the Harz Region. Currently, the ecological hazards caused by the legacy pollution from historical metal mining and metallurgy in the Harz Region are only partially known, particularly regarding the effects of changes in river ecosystems as a consequence of climate change. This review discusses the complexity and dynamics of human–environment interactions in the Harz Mountains and its surroundings, with a focus on lead (Pb) pollution. The paper also identifies future research directions with respect to metal contamination. Full article