Land pollution: Mining and Extraction

Mining and Extraction are one of the four causes of land pollution

Mining and Extraction

Mining is the extraction of minerals and other geological materials from the ground. These minerals and other materials are used for a wide range of purposes including producing gasoline for automobiles, generating electricity and selling materials such as gold and silver for multiple purposes. The extraction depletes the earth of its natural resources and causes damage and land pollution. It also frequently damages the surrounding area's natural Ecosystems, altering the landscape, Destroying natural habitats for wildlife and ultimately reducing biodiversity.

For example, coal mining uses acid mine drainage (AMD) to help extract coal from its surroundings. When the runoff of acid used in this method finds its way into local natural water supplies and sources, it has a chemical reaction with surrounding rocks and sand and creates sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is toxic not only to humans but to most other plants and wildlife as well. Other types of extraction such as drilling for oil, have also caused massive damage to local ecosystems when operations go wrong and are a massive contributor to Water pollution.