What are the environmental issues caused by mining?
Erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, especially marine life, and contamination of water bodies are some of the environmental issues cause by mining. Soil erosion is prominent as mines are reclaimed when they are closed down. This will cause an instability in the soil, which is prone to erosion whe there is a heavy rain. Soil and other minerals from the mine also run into water bodies, contaminating them and destroying marine life.