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Top 5 Ways That Mines All Over The World Are Going Green

Top 5 Ways That Mines All Over The World Are Going Green
The mining industry is one which has a significant impact on the environment.
However, over the past few years, this has changed as many mining companies are interested in becoming more eco-friendly and sustainable. Some are looking at technologies and processes such as effluent treatment and filtration of mine water and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technologies. And some mines are looking to sewage treatment companies for help all in an effort to become “greener”. 

You could look into an effluent water treatment option for your mining project, including processes such as landfill leachate treatment, groundwater protection, and side stream filtration. The mining industry is making good progress towards becoming more eco-friendly and sustainable, and the process is not as difficult as you might think. 
Below are some of the top ways that mines are going green. Moreover, you can visit this site in case you are looking for the Mine Spec truck hire services in Australia.

- Inputs are being reduced

In the mining industry, a large volume of water and land are used for the projects. One of the ways in which mines are becoming more sustainable is by reducing their inputs to the environment. What this means is that surface water is diverted and groundwater is pumped which improves the quality of water which water-based ecosystems have access to in the surrounds of the mine. 

In terms of energy, some mines are now looking towards solar power, limiting their use of energy and power. This means that greenhouse gases will be reduced and fossil fuel reserves will have an extended shelf-life. This will also help in reducing the cost to produce your product, which will save you money and increase your profits. 

- ZLD projects

Zero liquid discharge techniques are being used by mines in order to reduce the impact of their projects on the environment. It helps to reduce the amount of wastewater that mines produce by removing the salt from the smaller brine streams, which are the result of treating mine water to make it potable again. 

Disposal processes are reduced and the volume of wastewater becomes lower. Processes such as using membranes to remove the salts from these brine streams are popular with mines, while some cases call for a more in-depth process such as using thermal techniques to remove and recover the salt crystals. Once these brine streams have been treated and all the salt has been removed, this water can be released into the environment without doing much harm. 

- Reclamation of abandoned or disused mines

Reclaiming disused mines involves revegetating the area after closing the mine and filling it in. This way, no hazardous chemicals in the water can seep out into the environment, and the mine will become usable by the public, such as for nature reserves or public parks. 

Mining companies can come together with contractors and decommissioning groups to make the workload lighter. You could also look into hiring landscapers and environmental professionals to ensure that the mine is safe enough for people to use. Have the water tested once the mine has been closed and plants have been placed, as this will give a clear indication of how safe it is for reuse. 

- Go green with your site

One of the most notable ways that mines are going green is by investing in natural ways to control the dust that is kicked up on the site by trucks, dump trucks, and other equipment. Mine companies reuse greywater to pour over dusty roads in order to control this dust and other eco-friendly products for dust control in the mine itself. 

Some of these products include sealants for the ground so that dust is not produced by those walking in high-traffic areas which reduce the volume of dust that is released. You could also look into green cleaning products for your equipment and offices, as this will help to reduce the chemicals in the water and in your building. Introduce a system of collecting greywater for use on the site for flushing portable toilets and keeping floors clean. 

- Revegetate the environment

This is very similar to reclamation but it is different in that revegetation is usually performed in the environment surrounding the mine. This entails planting water-absorbent plants on the outskirts of the mine and replenishing indigenous vegetation, cleaning the excess water and ensuring that all mining debris has been removed. 

By revegetating the environment, you are ensuring that it has time to recover from the mining project. Water absorbent plants are particularly important as they can be used to soak up the harmful chemicals and process them, making the environment safer for animals and people alike. Be sure to use indigenous vegetation, as this will keep the roots of the water-absorbent plants safe from any alien invader species. 

Final words

Going green in the mining industry might sound difficult but it is an easy process once you know where to start. You should look at reducing your inputs and using ZLD as part of your processes. Using alternative methods to control dust and clean your site are also important. Reclaiming and revegetating a disused mine is one of the best ways to go green in the mining industry. 
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