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Mineral exploration and development can have a significant impact on the environment and local communities, in some circumstances extending well beyond the mine site. Poor environmental performance and consequent social impacts by some companies have affected the reputation of the whole industry to the extent that the principal public concern about mining is its impact on the environment. This is consistent with public attitudes about other major natural resource sectors such as forestry and commercial fishing. Traditionally the community has relied on governments to set the benchmark for acceptable environmental and social performance through establishing and revising regulations governing the mining industry. This however assumes that regulations keep pace with community expectations. It also does not take into account those circumstances where governments can have conflicting roles as both watchdog and project partner. Government regulations and industry self-regulation are not in of themselves sufficient for the minerals sector to demonstrate that it has adequately addressed environmental and social issues associated with the sector. For the minerals sector to improve its reputation it must first improve its environmental and social performance. To do this requires the sector to operate to acceptable standards of environmental and social performance and for the sector to be able to credibly communicate this to its stakeholders such as investors, non-government organisations (NGOs), customers, staff, regulators and local communities. Independent third party certification of environmental and social performance (æcertificationÆ), already operational in forest and fisheries management, is proposed as a mechanism to enable the minerals sector to achieve this. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and industry partners will be collaborating in a project to ascertain the applicability of æcertificationÆ to the minerals sector. A number of economic, social and environmental benefits are identified that could accrue should mining companies be able to differentiate themselves on the basis of environmental and social performance, an attribute evident in æcertificationÆ schemes. External audiences are seeking increasing levels of information and data on environmental and social performance of mining companies, be it local communities, investors, financial institutions or NGOs. Environmental and social reporting should be a key communications device that stakeholders can rely on as a reliable, credible source of information on environmental and social performance. WWFÆs contribution to the debate about environmental and social reporting has been to develop a process to assess the quality of environmental and social reports against reporting ingredients which WWF believe are important if a report is to be an accurate reflection of the reporting entitiesÆ environmental and social performance.

Jan 1, 2002

By Krishna Parameswaran

In this paper, we attempt to answer an often asked question, how can metal mining be compatible with the principles of sustainable development. Starting with the classic Brundtland Commission definition of sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs," we make the case that mining is or should be sustainable, using examples of sustainable practices at ASARCO LLC, an integrated U.S primary copper producer. These examples cover the entire mining cycle starting with exploration, mining, beneficiation, smelting, refining, closure and post-closure and post-mining land use. It is hoped that the presentation will challenge the mining industry to even greater innovation as future mineral development projects are planned.

Jan 1, 2015

In formulating its strategic plan in 1998 the New Zealand Minerals Industry identified two related critical issues facing it. These are, broadly speaking, the issues of access to minerals; and the perception the public has towards the industry and its behaviour towards the environment. This presentation will report on the Industry's response to the public perception issue. The Industry has, through the NZMIA Council, and its Communication and Website Committees, developed and implemented strategies covering: communication through the print media, and through its website www.minerals.co.nz, a long-term educational outreach programme with schools, focussing on the significance of minerals, their contribution to community wellbeing and the negligible long-term environmental effects of the Industry's activities.

Jan 1, 2000

Opinions vary widely within the community on what are legitimate environmental social respon- sibilities. The extreme conservationists see the responsibility as the total preservation of the natural environment achieved by opposition to all forms of industrial development that would disturb it. The `growth-at-any-price men' consider it more important to stimulate economic growth, develop new industries, and maximize profit letting the environment take care of itself: within this wide spectrum of concern are the middle-of- the-road men, part of the vast majority, fully aware of the need to compromise to achieve a satisfactory economic growth rate whilst pre- serving to the greatest extent practicable the con- ditions upon which we depend for a balanced self-perpetuating existence. Environmental change is not new. It is the inevitable accompaniment of human activity. Plato wrote in the 5th Century B.C.* of the devastating changes wrought by man and his animals on the ancient world of the Mediter- ranean. Down through the ages rural development to *The Dialogues of Plato: `What are now her moun- tains were lofty, soil-clad hills; her so-called shingle plains of the present day were full of rich soil; and her mountains were heavily afforested-a fact of which there are still visible traces. There are moun- tains in Attica which can now keep nothing but bees, but which were clothed, not so very long ago, with fine trees producing timber suitable for roofing the largest buildings; and roofs hewn from the timber are still in existence. There were also many lofty cultivated trees, while the country produced bound- less pasture for cattle. The annual rainfall was not lost, as it is at present, through being allowed to flow over the denuded surface into the sea, but was received by the country, in all its abundance, into her bosom, where she stored it in her impervious potter's earth and so was able to discharge the drain- age of the heights into the hollows in the form of perennial springs and rivers throughout the land.' provide the necessities of life for expanding populations has required the destruction of vast areas of forest. Industrial activities over the last 200 years have discharged enormous quantities of solid wastes, liquid and gaseous effluents that were environmental pollutants of the worst kind. Urbanization has drawn people, their machines, and industries into vast concentrations aggregat- ing the environmentally bad effects of each to the extent that there is evidence that through thermal pollution these large urban industrial complexes nrp nffPrtina raainnnl rlimnta.c

Jan 1, 1978

The environment has emerged as a permanent component of Australia's socio-political context, intricately linked with personal and future security.The implication of this powerful new influence on the Australian Minerals and Energy Industry sector has been a plunging public image.

Jan 1, 1993

By T. F. Muller

In recent years, a great deal has been written and spoken, both in our country and overseas, about the dangers posed to the environment and the ecology by mining operations. The object of this address is to put this problem, and it is a real problem, into reasonable perspective. I shall try to present the various facets that merit consideration as objectively as possible. In doing so, I shall examine the following factors: Book review National Coal Board. Gate belt conveyors. London, H.M.S.O. (Price 95p.) Although the preface of this handy little book states that it has been written for the guidance of miningoperation trainees, it will prove valuable to the practising engineer as well. NIM reports Report no. 1733 A mineralogical investigation of weathered carbonatite from Salpeterkop. (14th Apr., 1975; re-issued 28th Feb., 1978). Report no. 1823 The recovery of gold and pyrite from a residue dump at Crown Mines. (10th Jul., 1976; re-issued 28th Feb., 1976). Report no. 1829 An investigation of weathered carbonatite from Salpeterkop. (20th Jul., 1976; reissued 28th Feb., 1978). Report no. 1932 A BASIC computer programme for the evaluation of intensity data from the Telsec Lab-X-250 Analyser. (12th Jan., 1978). Report no. 1940 The extraction of the noble metals with n-octylaniline, and its application to the analysis of platinum-bearing materials. (30th Jan., 1978). Report no. 1945 Analyses of the NIMROC reference samples for minor and trace elements. (28th Feb., 1978). Report no. 1945 Analyses of the NIMROC reference samples for minor and trace elements. (28th Feb., 1978). International futures conference A conference entitled 'The Road Ahead' is being organized by the 1820 Settlers National Monument Foundation to be held in Grahamstown from 3rd to 7th July, 1978. Conference of metallurgists The technical programme has been established for the 17th Annual Conference of Metallurgists sponsored by the Metallurgical Society of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. This year the Conference will be held in Montreal, Quebec, on 27th to 31st August, 1978, together with the 8th Hydrometallurgy Meeting.

Jan 1, 1978

By Reginald E. Reid

Mining on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered lands is affected by Federal laws and regulations requiring the mining industry to plan for the environmental consequences of surface disturbance. Regardless of the requirements for obtaining a claim, permit, lease or contract to mine, a notice or a mining and reclamation plan will be submitted and an acceptable environmental document must be prepared prior to mining. A bond may be required based on the results of the environmental evaluation, public interest and the operator's past history of compliance. In several areas, Federal requirements are different from California's requirements under their Surface Mine and Reclamation Act (SMARA). Therefore, the BLM is negotiating with the State in order to work out problem areas of responsibility and duplication of effort.

Jan 1, 1984

By Jim Dunn

For decades many of us who are associated with the mineral industry have tried to show the public its economic and strategic importance. Some of the mineral industry's proponents have been politically powerful figures and have been widely quoted. Yet, as measured by public opinion, legislative support, or almost any other standard, our efforts have been inadequate. It is apparent that a set of environmental beliefs that discredit industry, firmly held by a number of idealistic persons, has had wider coverage in the media and in schools than has the mineral industry's message. Although the fervor of our idealistic friends is often unfounded and, their stands unscientific, they must be considered seriously. Unless we address the issues in terms the idealists will understand, the mineral industry will have little influence on them or on the general public. A. striking thing is that, quite often, translation of idealists' views into action has been counterproductive. The reason is obvious. Excessive amounts of money and energy have been spent on relatively minor problems. The common result is that larger problems have been created. It may be possible to help anti-industry idealists understand their own dependence on minerals, and thus render their views more realistic, if they are shown more effective ways to reach their stated goals. If those goals can be shown to be held in common by all sensitive human beings -- including those in business and industry - the dialogue becomes one of how to achieve common ends. Individual mining companies acting by themselves have little possibility of success, and companies working in unison through trade associations have not been successful. Further, it is unlikely that industry in general can be successful in changing minds unless it seeks outside help. But friends among those who influence public opinion have been hard to find. Historically, help from media has proven difficult to get. Nor has enough help from educators been forthcoming. Yet, a war is going on in the technological, philosophical, and political trenches, even though much of the public is not aware of it. For the first time in years, there is row a significant and growing number of eloquent and brilliant thinkers on the side of free enterprise and industry, many of them environmentalists, but without the anti-industry mind-set. They have had remarkably little help from the private sector or even from the present administration. Industry may do far more for itself in the long run by encouraging these brave but bruised individuals and their organizations than by trying to work alone. These friends of free enterprise are working against a seemingly stacked deck relative to much of the media, the bureaucracy, and the educational system. However, despite their problems, their success to date has been remarkable. With more cooperation from industry they should do even better.

Jan 1, 1987

By M. C. van Blerck

This paper outlines the tax provisions that became defective in January 1992, which allow a working mine to make tax-deductible contributions to a dedicated environmental body that is itself not subject to tax. Such a body will then provide a source of funding for the mine's future environmental expenditures. It is concluded that the establishment of such environmental bodies is a financially sound, tax-effective route, allowing mines, prospectors, and quarry operators to provide for future environmental rehabilitation.

Jan 1, 1994

By R. C. Berry

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has become a routine requirement for mining operations on federal lands. A similar document is being required in developing countries. Baseline studies are needed prior to writing an EIS and these studies involve surface water, groundwater, air quality, and wildlife/ native plant evaluations. The required baseline hydrology and geochemical studies are often the most expensive and lengthy evaluations. This paper summarizes the hydrology and geochemical baseline studies required for .An EIS and presents suggested methods to expedite these studies and to shorten the time and the cost to complete the studies and the EIS.

Jan 1, 1999

In September 1980 the N.S.W. Environ- mental Planning and Assessment Act was gazetted. This legislation created a new arena of government involvement in the procedure for obtaining approval to open a new mine, or expand an existing mine in N.S.W. Since 1980 the legislation relating to environmental protection requirements, the procedure for obtaining Development Consent and the nature of relevant government policies have caused considerable confusion on the part of many potential developers. Implementation of the legislation has now become systematic and relatively predictable. However, certain aspects can be improved and require urgent government action.

Jan 1, 1983

By D C. Franklin, C T. Farrelly

The future of human exploration in space is intimately bound to the future of mining and energy production on Earth. By 2025, one or more manned bases will probably exist on the Moon, exploring the lunar landscape and geology, and acting as a learning platform, and possibly a resource platform, for expeditions to Mars and beyond. Unless the mining and space industries take an active and cooperative interest in the technologies required to exploit minerals and fuels in and from hostile environments, the necessary advances to support permanent extraterrestrial exploration will not be ready in time. With the notable exception of using lunar Helium-3 as a fusion power fuel, no other reason has been identified for the mining industry to take any direct interest in the exploitation of extraterrestrial resources for the benefit of its customers on Earth. Ample reasons exist, however, for the industry to take a direct interest in supporting technological development of the extraterrestrial resources necessary to support the economical exploration of space. The mining industry has critical experience in the development and application of technologies for the discovery, extraction and processing of natural resources; experience that the space industry will need to create a viable permanent presence in space. The industry also understands the end to end process of resource development and utilisation. On the other hand, the space industry can directly benefit the mining sector by helping mature and advance the extractive and processing technologies needed to economically and sustainably develop resources in hostile terrestrial environments, such as those available in low concentrations, at extreme depth and/or inconvenient geographic locations. We propose that strategic partnerships be created between the mining, space and allied industries and research organisations. Such partnerships would develop a joint capability for mutual benefit, targeting the most significant advances in the least time. The space industry will learn how to exploit essential resources off-planet, and the mining industry will gain access to technologies to help extend their activities on earth.

Jan 1, 2008

Review of the mining legislation in New Zealand has coincided with a number of radical changes. These include a redirection of economic management towards a more open and competitive economy; major reform of the state sector aimed at greater efficiency, transparency and accountability; a new environmental administration; and a fundamental review of policy for management of natural and physical resources. These changes provide an opportunity to develop a consistent and coherent approach in the minerals and related statutes that will achieve objectives of economic efficiency, equity, practicability and good environmental management.

Jan 1, 1987

This paper discusses the social and economic impact of mining, and in particular goldmining, on New Zealand. The range of topics covered and their complexity has confined us in this paper to highlighting the main points of concern û a detailed report is under preparation. A major problem in undertaking this study was the lack of hard data on important environmental, economic and social issues and if there is to be effective planning in the area of natural resource use this situation must be rectified. The following conclusions were drawn: Goldmining was very important in shaping New Zealand's early social and economic development, providing wealth, employment and impetus for social change.Foreign investment and technology has been an essential element in New ZealandÆs economic development.Mining is a small industry at present by this must not be allowed to obscure its potential to broaden New Zealand's economic base and provide foreign exchange.With modern methods, development of mineral resources and environmental protection are not incompatible but certain unique and irreplaceable areas must be preserved.There are problems in evaluating mining and other projects because different groups hold different values, and arguments often hinge on the valuation of costs and benefits rather than the technical aspects of the analysis.Mineral exploration is a high risk business and the potential returns must be sufficient to attract capital if New Zealand's mineral resources are to be developed.A resurgence of goldmining will clearly have obvious benefits for Waihi but the local community must plan carefully for their future. New Zealand will also gain valuable foreign exchange required for higher levels of economic activity.

Jan 1, 1981

By A P. Brown

Comparison of legal permits required for mining (as opposed to prospecting or exploration) inNew Zealand, under the Mining Act 1971 and the Resource Management Act/Crown Minerals Act 1991. Mining generally receives the same treatment as any other industrial or commercial activity.

Jan 1, 1995

By Bern Klein, Rafael Fernandes de Mesquita, Fatima Regina Ney Matos, Andre Xavier

"193 United Nations members are signatories of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Even though it does not make it legally binding to the country members, the SDGs establishment incites national and managerial frameworks to achieve the SDGs. The mining industry inserts itself in this context by its global presence and frequent location within ecologically sensitive and less developed areas. This paper aims to consolidate the state of academic research on mining, sustainability and sustainable development, by organizing the results of previous studies within a systematic review on the SDGs set. To do so, the ISI Web of ScienceTM Core Collection database was chosen as a database of record, as it is one of the most widespread databases of academic journals. We have used all years available in the ISI database, from 1945 to 2016 (for complete years). The systematic review process comprised of five steps: (i) to search terms [(“sustainability” or “sustainable development”) and mining] on the database and to apply filters of criteria; (ii) organizing papers; (iii) metrics and relations between papers and authors; (iv) classification of the results through content analysis techniques; and (v) synthesis. The results were divided in two groups: the highly cited and the most recent papers, to include papers that have academic impact and those which show the newest contributions to the field. The results showed that, in spite of a growing amount of publications in the past years that relates to mining and sustainability, the main focus of these publications are still on the environmental dimensions of the UN goals. This suggests that more practical and academic work in the mining sector are required to fill in the blank spaces regarding the other set of goals that compose the SDGs framework.Introduction A total of 193 United Nations members are signatories of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Even though it does not make it legally binding to the country members, the SDGs establishment incites national and managerial frameworks to achieve the SDGs. The mining industry inserts itself in this context by its global presence and frequent location within ecologically sensitive and less developed areas (Atlas 2016). The goals are important because they add common targets for different countries and easily establish discernible criteria for it (Costanza et al 2016). A forward-looking approach like the SDGs would be able to attach the sustainable development framework with profitable activities taken by the mining companies (Starke 2016). This paper aims to consolidate the state of academic research on mining, sustainability and sustainable development, by organizing the results of high impact previous studies and recent publications, within a systematic review, on the SDGs set. By doing so, the results can portray the actual concern and the lacks that the academic field had on this subject in comparison to the UN contemporary agenda."

Jan 1, 2017

By Grover J. Holt

A DETAILED description of the many variations in iron mining and transportation practice in Minnesota would require much space. Since a fairly detailed description of the practices then in use was published in the guidebook issued in connection with the meeting of the Institute on the iron ranges in 1920, and subsequent developments have been described by E. E Hunner,1 M. H Barber,2 and A. E. Anderson, J. M. Riddell and G. J. Holt,3 it will not be necessary here to do more than review the highlights of current practice Details on any points of interest can be obtained through correspondence with the operators involved.† The iron ores of Minnesota, which have been formed through enrichment, of the iron formation in which they occur, largely by the removal of silica, are usually covered by a blanket of glacial drift known locally as "surface." Surface material, including sand, clay, hardpan and boulders, makes up the greater portion of the stripping in open-pit operations. In some instances, stripping also includes taconite and "paint rock," directly below the surface material and overlying the ore. Taconite is the iron formation, a ferruginous chert with interbedded slate layers. "Paint rock" is a local term for oxidized slate layers interbedded in the iron formation, high iii phosphorus, alumina and moisture The iron ores fall into two classes- (I) direct shipping (merchantable ores or ores requiring no treatment except possibly crushing or screening to make an acceptable sized product), and (2) ores requiring beneficiation (such as sintering, drying, washing, jigging, high-density treatment, or magnetic separation in the case of magnetite) The Mesabi Range produces chiefly soft Bessemer and non-Bessemer ores. The Cuyuna Range produces mainly low-manganese brown ore and high+manganese black ores, with some iron ore. The Vermilion Range yields mainly Bessemer and non-Bessemer iron ore, with some hard or lump ore that finds use in the open hearth. Open-pit mining is limited to the Mesabi and Cuyuna Ranges but underground mining is done on all three. The choice of mining methods is determined by the relative economics of overburden-removal and shaft-mining costs. STRIPPING PRACTICE Common practice has been to remove the bulk of the overburden during the winter season and to mine during the summer. In the present emergency many operators are forced to forego the economies attained by year-round utilization of equipment and to equip for, and carry on, stripping and mining simultaneously. In the normal years or lean years to come, most properties probably will be overequipped and high depreciation charges will have to be absorbed

Jan 1, 1942

By Grover J. Holt

A DETAILED description of the many variations in iron mining and transportation practice in Minnesota would require much space. Since a fairly detailed description of the practices then in use was published in the guidebook issued in connection with the meeting of the Institute on the iron ranges in I920, and subsequent developments have been described by E. E. Hunner,1 M. H. Barber,2 and A. E. Anderson, J. M. Riddell and G. J. Holt,3 it will not be necessary here to do more than review the highlights of current practice. Details on any points of interest can be obtained through correspondence with the operators involved. [T] The iron ores of Minnesota, which have been formed through enrichment of the iron formation in which they occur, largely by the removal of silica, are usually covered by a blanket of glacial drift known locally as "surface." Surface material, including sand, clay, hardpan and boulders, makes up the greater portion of the stripping in open-pit operations. In some instances, stripping also includes taconite and "paint rock," directly below the surface material and overlying the ore. Taconite is the iron formation, a ferruginous chert with interbedded slate layers. "Paint rock" is a local term for oxidized slate layers interbedded in the iron formation, high in phosphorus, alumina and moisture. The iron ores fall into two classes: (I) direct shipping (merchantable ores or ores requiring no treatment except possibly crushing or screening to make an acceptable sized product), and (2) ores requiring beneficiation (such as sintering, drying, washing, jigging, high-density treatment, or magnetic separation in the case of magnetite). The Mesabi Range produces chiefly soft Bessemer and non-Bessemer ores. The Cuyuna Range produces mainly low-manganese brown ore and high-manganese black ores, with some iron ore. The Vermilion Range yields mainly Besse¬mer and non-Bessemer iron ore, with some hard or lump ore that finds use in the open hearth. Open-pit mining is limited to the Mesabi and Cuyuna Ranges but underground mining is done on all three. The choice of mining methods is determined by the relative economics of overburden¬-removal and shaft-mining costs. STRIPPING PRACTICE Common practice has been to remove the bulk of the overburden during the winter season and to mine during the summer. In the present emergency many operators are forced to forego the economies attained by year-round utilization of equipment and to equip for, and carry on, stripping and mining simultaneously. In the normal years or lean years to come, most properties probably will be over-equipped and high depreciation charges will have to be absorbed.

Jan 1, 1942

The extraction of the values from gold bearing clay or clayey ores has always presented difficulties. A description of the successful operation of a mill working on material of this nature is here given in the hope that it will be of interest to mining engineers and metallurgists, particularly as the ore body referred to has been worked out. The methods finally adopted were evolved at the mill after the failure of 3: plant specially designed in England and sent out to New Guinea to cope with the clay by the old principle of calcining to brick followed by crushing and cyanidation. A description is given of the direct cyanidation of run of mine ore in '90 ton vats; which was finally adopted after a great deal of study and experiment. Mention is also made of the method of removing overburden in the open cut and the mining and transport of the ore from the open cut to the mill. The purpose of the paper is to record these matters while the information is still available. . .DESCRIPTION OF THE ORE BODYThe values occurred in a flat-lying lode which had slipped about half a mile down the mountain side and had come to rest in the nearly horizontal position in which it was found and worked. The thickness of the deposit varied from a maximum of about 25 ft. at the northern end to about 10 ft. at the southern end. The ore body was capped with an overburden of decomposed breccia and porphyry of variable thickness the maximum being about 65 ft. The underlying rock, or the footwaIJ of .the flat ore body was breccia locallyknown as blue breccia.

Jan 1, 1951

By Richard M. Foose

FIVE miles southwest of Mt. Holly Springs, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Clay Co. has been mining and milling a white clay since 1896; for use in white cement, as a filler in rubber, pigment and paper, in the manufacture of insecticides, and for other minor purposes. Until late in 1942, when the mine was abandoned because of labor shortage, combined underground mining and surface stripping produced approximately 30,000 tons of clay a year, of which 10,000 tons were refined in the mill. GEOLOGY Lower Cambrian Antietam quartzite and the Montalto quartzite, stratigraphically older, trend N.55°E. and make a sharp 1600-ft. anticlinal ridge of the South Mountains. The Tomstown dolomite overlies the Antietam quartzite on the southeast flank of the anticline, which is displaced near its crest by a steeply dipping oblique fault. Erosion of the less resistant Tomstown formation has resulted in a narrow valley at an elevation of 700 ft. Directly on top of the Antietam quartzite and at the base of the Tomstown formation is a zone of sandy white clay, lenticular along the strike of the formations, ranging in thickness from 10 to 300 ft. within a mile. All of the formations dip steeply to the southeast, from 65° to vertical. The clay crops out at an elevation of about 1000 feet. ORIGIN AND CHARACTER The uppermost part of the Antietam formation is sericitic and schistose at many places, and at all these places weathering is in an advanced stage. The clay is the residual product of weathering of this sericitic quartzite or sandy schist. The crude clay has the physical aspect of a sandy kaolin, but there are large areas in the clay formation that are low in free silica, and commonly the 30 ft. adjacent to the Antietam quartzite is notably free of silica. The overlying Tomstown dolomite has been weathered almost completely to a mixed yellow and brown clay, which carries a zone of nodular and chunky limonite and manganese ore, 4 to 12 ft. thick, about l00 ft. from the contact with the white clay. In mining, this zone is an important "marker," indicating where the white clay may be expected in an advancing tunnel. The contact of the white clay formation with the yellow and brown clay of the Tomstown formation is relatively sharp, although the line of contact is irregular and therefore responsible for the lenticular character of the white clay formation. Following is an analysis of the refined clay containing less than one per cent of moisture when dried at 212°F.: Si02, 67.05 per cent; A1203, 22.27; Fe203, 0.40; CaO, 0.00; Ti02, 1.05; MgO, 0.52; Na20, 0.04; K20, 0.88; ignition loss, 7.65; total, 99.86.

Jan 1, 1944