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How Does Copper Mining Affect The Environment

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Introduction
Copper is thought to be one of the first metals to be use by mankind and has been mined for thousands of years. Copper contains the properties of being very malleable as well as ductile. This makes a very great conductor for electricity and heat. Copper mining has exploded in the last 100 years as about 94% of the mined copper in the world has been mined during this period. The mining and extraction process of copper, although necessary for many of the worlds electronics, cars and water systems have a negative effect on the environment, affecting both animals and humans.
Mining and Extraction Process
The mining process of copper mostly comes from underground or open pit mines where copper ore is extracted. The copper is then extracted from the copper ore by mixing it with sulfuric acid to …show more content…

During the smelting process, gases such as sulphur dioxide gas is emitted. This gas is a serious air pollutant and can lead to severe impacts on the health of the wildlife as well as humans. When the sulphur dioxide gas reacts with the atmosphere, it creates sulphuric acid. This acidic mist falls back to the earth in the form of acid rain. Acid rain can decrease the pH levels in the soils as wells as the lakes and rivers, impacting on the health of aquatic animals and the vegetation in the affected area.
Flora and soil
Copper mining contributes to the growing issue of deforestation and land degradation. When a site is cleared for mining the habitat of many animals are destroyed forcing them to leave. The destruction of vegetation also impacts the water flow from the site to other ecosystems, possibly spreading contaminated water to a larger area. This can also lead to flooding as the water has lost its natural breaks, and will runoff at rapid speeds. Erosion and the increase in sedimentation in the waterbeds also impacts the area by moving nutrient

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