Why is Illegal Mining a Problem? Let’s Discuss!

The mining industry is a potential sector, so many people want to make a profit. This industry provides various fuels and raw materials for development. However, not all mining activities follow the procedures. Some of company are even unlicensed. Now, illegal mining is increasingly becoming a hot topic because of its problems. Why is illegal mining a problem? Let's discuss it further!

Why is Illegal Mining a Problem?

The unauthorized activity or violation of regulations is unethical. In general, many things become uncontrolled and cause problems. Here are some of the problems that arise from illegal mining.

1. Ecosystem Damage

Nowadays, land clearing for mining is more often. Unfortunately, many of those activities are illegal. They are uncontrolled and endanger the ecosystem.

Habitats for plants and animals are reduced and unstable after environmental changes. Moreover, pollution occurs and affects them. The ability to adapt and survive also varies among species. If this condition continuously occurs, species extinction is a possibility.

2. Environmental Damage

The next risk is environmental damage. This inevitably occurs when illegal mining occurs. There is pollution of water, soil, and air.

Water pollution occurs due to the use of mercury in illegal gold mining. It endangers organisms and surrounding communities. Illegal excavation of fertile soil for mining causes erosion and reduces soil fertility. This causes the quality of agricultural and forestry land to decline. The air pollution comes from dust and hazardous substances that are released from the mining process.

3. Natural Disasters

Two natural disasters, floods and landslides, can potentially occur when there is illegal mining and worsen with heavy rainfall. This high-intensity rainfall is one example of extreme weather.

Heavy rainfall cannot be absorbed properly into the soil if more land is converted to mining. It is especially concerning if tropical forest areas are converted. Flooding and landslides are potentially increased.

The trees that live in tropical forests have taproots and function to maintain soil structure, maintain strength, and absorb water. However, land clearing for mining has led to a steady decline in their numbers. During extreme weather, flooding is inevitable.

Flash floods potentially occur because the water discharge increases. Furthermore, landslides are also potential. The increasing water discharge causes the soil to become saturated. So, soil structure is weakening and leading to landslides.

Good Mining Practice

Why is illegal mining a problem? Various problems triggered by illegal mining threaten the safety of living things in the surrounding area. The implementation of strict regulations to enforce good mining practices (GMP) can prevent illegal mining. Strict regulations should also be enforced for those found violating them.

Good mining practice includes some guidelines, such as principles, methods, and procedures that are implemented in the mining industry. Its function is to ensure that mining activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably. Here are some aspects of GMP.

1. Legal and Comply with Regulations

The first thing to ensure is legality. Implement strict regulations regarding mining business licensing and their implementation. The government must establish clear and formal standards for all mining activities throughout the region. Implementation must also be transparent and prevent any cheating, such as allowing concessions to issue mining permits in national parks, forest areas, etc., where this is not permitted.

Every party applying for a mining permit must comply with procedures. Each stage must be systematically completed. Administrative, technical, environmental, and financial, are some stages in the licensing process.

2. Prioritizing Occupational Safety and Health

The second aspect is occupational safety and health. Both are the rights of every employee that must be ensured by companies at all times. By implementing all of this, the risk of work accidents can be reduced while simultaneously realizing increased employee welfare.

3. Environmental Monitoring and Management

The use of land for mining must consider its impact on the environment. Regarding the environment, every mining company that implements GMP is committed to preserving the environment.

The company will continuously monitor the impacts of mining and implement risk management for those impacts. The purpose is to prevent environmental damage and natural disasters that threaten the living things in the surrounding area.

Every company is required to monitor and ensure the quality of air, water, and soil remains good. Regular checks on acid content in water and soil, emissions, noise and vibration, as well as flora and fauna diversity, also need to be carried out.

4. Resources Conservation

Resource conservation is mandatory to ensure efficient and non-excessive use of resources. This conservation can be achieved through commitments from each company, driven by strict regulations. Corporate conservation commitments include waste reduction and increased mineral recovery. The use of environmentally friendly technologies is also encouraged to minimize environmental impact.

5. Mine Waste Management

GMP also covers the management of mining waste, whether liquid, solid, or gaseous. Examples of mining waste management include hazardous and toxic waste management (B3), NAF and PAF management, wastewater and acid mine drainage management, and exhaust gas emission monitoring.

Why is illegal mining a problem? The various issues mentioned above are evidence that illegal mining needs to be stopped. Meanwhile, GMP serves as a guideline in the mining industry. The government can implement an emergency warning system as a precautionary measure against potential mining risks.

This warning system is equipped with an emergency message sending machine. Its purpose is to send emergency messages to the public and relevant parties in real time. Messages are sent via SMS (Short Message Service) with a range of up to 2 km to all operators. This specific machine can be purchased at smsbroadcaster.com.