TECHNOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT IN THE MINING INDUSTRY IN RELATION TO ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MINING (MANAGEMENT PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this thesis is to discuss in detail the significance of technology trends to the mining industry. Technological measurement in the mining industry in relation to environmentally friendly mining is examined. The main research question seeks to find out how technologies have transformed the face of the environment and future potentials.
The methodology employed in the study, scope and the importance of the research are discussed. The present study has attempted to prove that newer technologies have transformed the face of the environment in relation to green mining and future potentials in the mining industry.
Recommendation for improvement and adoption by mining industry and technology developers, and recommendation for future research in the subject of study have been given.
1 INTRODUCTION
Mining refers to the removal of precious minerals and other geological resources from the earth crust. Resources gotten from the mining comprise of precious metals, base metals, coal, uranium, and diamonds among others. Mining tools are used for drawing out minerals deep down from the earth crust. The nature of the mining tool and process create a possible unenthusiastic and positive crash on the surroundings. The tools vary in size and shape de-pending on the minerals being extracted and the method of mining being used.
In the past mining tools and processes have led to negative effects on the environment and this has currently led to most countries adopting regulations for moderating the unenthusias-tic results of mining processes. Safety has become a concern and modern mining tools and processes have improved the mines safety significantly. The big challenge for the global min-ing industry has been how to continue the mining processes without reducing the impact it has on the planet.
The performance of the mining industries regarding the environment has improved a great
deal in the recent past in Canada. The significance of the mining to Canada‟s market makes
green mining very critical to it. In conjunction with stakeholders from environmental NGO‟s, themining industry, academic circles, territories and provinces NRCan has ad-dressed the environmental problems in mining for a long time. Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND) a multiple stake holders bargaining forum for a safe environment brought forward in 1989 has been analysing best ways of curtailing occurrence of acidic wa-ters in mine locations. The National Orphaned and Abandoned Mines forum (NOAMI) is also a platform to address issues of environmental concerns in the mining industry. It was established in 2002 by territorial, federal and provincial ministers of mines. Their main objective being to address the subject of abandoned mines. The Green Mining Initiative (GMI) has become bold in this matter though formed recently. (Hogan, C. & Tremblay, G. (2002). Noami and Partners – A Six-year Retrospective)
