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Does metal ores effect the environment?

April 26, 2017earth Environment Geology Mathematics metal ores sciences

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Does metal ores effect the environment?

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What type of metal ore? If you mean oxides like iron (hematite) and copper (malachite). Then no, mining of these ores can have minimal effect on the environment. Besides the hole you make. But if you mean sulfides such as copper (chalcosite), lead (galina) and others, then yes, there can be after effects to the environment. Sulfide ores and waste will oxidize if exposed to the atmosphere and will produce sulfuric acid. This is known in the industry as Acid Mine Drainage (AMD).