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| Features |
| Environment: Mining and environment |
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by
Moses Michael-Phiri, 05 May 2006
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06:39:49
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Mining is often a dangerous venture. It is associated with risks to the environment.
Environmental concerns that surround the Kayelekela Mining Project in Karonga are therefore not strange.
Some people and organisations warned that the uranium mine could pose a risk to the communities around it. While the locals welcomed the venture, they expressed the desire to know the exact environmental threats the uranium mining project could pose.
Alexander Kathewera, a geologist for the project, recently told The Nation that a study is underway to assess the environmental risks that could arise from the mine.
“We will monitor every aspect of the environment, not just where the mine is but also in areas surrounding Karonga. We have an independent team of environmental experts from South Africa coming on site as part of the intensive studies,” said Kathewera.
These statements might bring some relief to the communities that something is being done, but what are some of the dangers that uranium mining poses to the environment?
According to experts, dissolved radioactive and toxic remains of the uranium mining process leak out of the basins into the ground-water. In addition, the ground-water level is raised because of excessive use of water during mining activities and extremely high contents of radon can sometimes be found in buildings next to mining activities.
In general, mining has several threats to the environment, according to a government mining expert.
“In most cases, mining involves drilling and blasting. During blasting, there is a lot of noise that drives away wildlife. The migration of wildlife means the area becomes unnatural.
“Secondly, during the processing of mine material, there are a lot of chemicals that are used in a large scale. These chemicals sometimes leak into the ground-water, thus contaminating the water system in the area. Thirdly, processing of material in mining generates a lot of waste. This waste material, if dumped without care, becomes an eyesore,” says the official.
He says the first important measure to take before any mining project begins is to conduct an environmental impact assessment.
“Sticking to recommendations of the environmental impact assessment helps in avoiding the environmental problems I have mentioned,” he said.
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