Mining and the Environment

Mining can create significant environmental problems. It can destroy habitats and produce waste products that pollute the land, water and air.

Land reclamation is a top priority of the mining industry today. It involves bringing in new topsoil and planting trees, grasses and other native plants.

The Earth's mineral reserves are sufficient to supply most of our needs, but in many cases recycling previously used materials is more efficient than producing them from ore.