Reclamation and Environmental Management in Dimension Stone Mining

Abstract

This paper discusses the environmental impacts of dimension stonemining and recommends effective means for dealing with the practical aspectsof reclamation and mine closure in dimension stone mining within the contextof environmentally responsible business practices.From the point of view of the environmental impact created, dimensionstone mining is a relatively benign industry. There are no emissions besidesthose of the diesel powered earthmoving equipment utilised in its extractionand a small amount of blasting gases. Contamination of water resources isonly likely in the event of petrochemical spillages from storage facilities andequipment, and these can largely be either prevented or cleaned up effectively.The major environmental impacts are of a visual nature, while in sensitiveareas, habitat destruction and the destruction of archaeological heritage maybecome signifi cant impacts.