Question

How does mining affect soils?

Short answer

Mining impacts soils both directly and indirectly. It can physically disturb soils through removal of topsoil leading to soil erosion and desertification, and can also alter the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils through the deposition of waste materials, affecting its structure, fertility, and sustainability.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Mining Activities

Mining activities involve excavation of earth's crust for extraction of economic minerals. It involves various processes like blasting, crushing, and transportation of soil materials.

Identify Direct Impacts of Mining

Mining has direct impacts on soils. It physically disturbs soils by removing topsoil which results in loss of organic matter, reduction in soil fertility and alteration in soil structure. This leads to problems like soil erosion, desertification and landslides.

Identify Indirect Impacts of Mining

Indirect impacts of mining activities on soils arise from the alteration of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. The excessive removal of vegetation cover results in enhanced soil erosion, and loss of nutrients and microorganisms. The deposition of waste materials like tailings also leads to the contamination of soil with harmful chemicals, altering its chemistry and disturbing its fertility.

Summarize the Impacts

Summarize the overall impacts of mining on soils, both direct and indirect. The impacts can be both temporary and long-term, affecting the structure, fertility, and sustainability of the soils.