"Earth, water, fire, and wind. Where there is energy there is life.”~ Suzy Kassem

@One_Voice_1 is proud to present our #OVElements series.

Our goal is to highlight the elements through the lens of climate change, to help advance the reversal of the damage done to our planet.

There are two types of mining that directly affect the earth’s soil. When unregulated, mining has the potential to release catastrophic substances into the soil. Open pit mining is one of the most common forms of mining for key minerals that are gouged from an open pit.

Environmental threats are present during every step of this open pit mining. It exposes rock that has lain unexposed for geological eras. When it’s crushed, these rocks uncover radioactive elements, asbestos-like minerals, and metallic dust.

Residual rock slurries, which are the mixtures of pulverized rock and liquid will produce wet, crushed sand. The toxic and radioactive elements from these liquids can leak into bedrock if they are not properly contained.

Underground mining can cause tunnel collapses and land reduction. Additionally, like most traditional forms of mining, underground mining can release toxic compounds into the air and water which in turn has negative effects on soil.

As water takes on harmful levels of minerals and heavy metals, it becomes a contaminant. Most underground mining processes raise sedimentation in nearby rivers through their use of hydraulic pumps and suction dredges;

demolishing using hydraulic pumps removes ecologically valuable topsoil containing seed banks, making it difficult for vegetation to ever be restored. Also, deforestation caused by mining leads to the dissolution of biomes and contributes to the effects of soil erosion.

If no intervention is taken to remedy the many environmental problems essential to modern mining, the cost for governments and communities will be calamitous.

Mission 2016 has created a long term project to merger recycling efforts, greener mining and refining techniques, which will reduce costs of environmental damage to surrounding communities, and expand government involvement in the overseeing of dirty mining practices. #OVEarth