Saturday, May 19, 2007
TOPIC 10: Effect of mining activities on the environment & human health
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6103382.stmRussia - Hibini Mountains. Once a place with natural beauty surrounded by forests, have changed into a tundra. Once the home of the good grazing reindeer have changed into nothing. What is left is the leafless trees of Hibini Mountains. The reason behind all this is because of the mining and smelting activities.
Russia being dependant on mining and smelting of metals for their economy, have taken a step forward to use the Hibini mountains as a place for their sources. Thus, many giant mining and smelting companies have came out with plans of expansion.
If these massive mining and smelting activities are going to continue, not only many species of animlas are going to lose their homes, workers too are going to lose their life. It is possible for the miners to suffer from illnesses, ranging from throat irritation to cardio respiratory disease and cancer. Although not scienticfically proven, many suspect that workers get sick either by inhalation of dust particles or caused by emissions.
Concerned more about their economy, companies do not bother about the aftermath of human health and environment. These selfish and irresponsible means of ways to get rich will just cause more damage done to the environment.
