Page 85 - Introduction to Mineral Exploration

68 C.J. MOON & M.K.G. WHATELEY

the exploration phases. Obtaining a permit Diavik mines (see section 17.2) and modern
involves the preparation of an environmental zinc mines in Ireland are good examples of
impact statement (EIS) describing the problems what can, and should be, achieved.
that mining will cause and the rehabilitation
program that will be followed once mining is
complete (Hinde 1993). Such an impact state- Social aspects
ment requires that the condition of the envi- Another aspect of environmental studies is
ronment in the potential mining area before public relations, particularly keeping the local
development began is recorded (a baseline population informed of progress and obtaining
survey). Thus it is essential to collect data dur- their active approval for any development pro-
ing the exploration stage for use in these EISs. ject. The past few years are littered with ex-
Initial data might include surface descriptions amples of projects that are technically excellent
and photographs, and geochemical analyses but have failed to obtain permission for devel-
indicating background levels of metals and opment, and others that have been significantly
acidity as well as water levels and flows. It is of delayed causing them to become economically
course essential to minimize damage during unviable. It is at the exploration stage that the
exploration and to set a high standard for envi- local population form impressions of the nature
ronmental management during any exploita- of the exploration group and whether they wish
tion. Trenches and pits should be filled and to be involved in its activities. Establishing
any damage by tracked vehicles should be good relation and communications with the
minimized and if possible made good. It may local community is the first step in gaining
be that a more expensive method of access, e.g. their backing for future mining – “a social
helicopter-supported drilling, may be neces- license to operate” (MMSD 2002). A good sum-
sary to minimize impact during exploration. mary of the problems is freely available from
Checklists for various exploration activities the PDAC website (E3 2004). Initial concerns of
and discussion of best practices are available at the local community are the transient nature
the E3 website (E3 2004). Data collection and of exploration and the lack of knowledge of the
baseline surveys become more intense as a local population to the techniques used and
prospect becomes more advanced and the pros- their scale. In addition, the local population
pect of an EIS looms. may have economic expectations and the arrival
One example of a major environmental prob- of exploration from another part of, or from
lem in mining that has had impact in explora- outside the, country may cause cultural stress.
tion has been the use of cyanide in gold It is always advisable to obtain local advice. For
extraction. This has been controversial particu- example, in Australia, sacred Aboriginal sites
larly in Europe where cyanide extraction has will be known to the local population but not
been prohibited in the Czech Republic since to most geologists. Their unintentional des-
2000, causing the abandonment of gold ecration has caused the development of intense
exploration including the advanced prospect opposition to further exploration.
at Kaperske Hory. In other areas, the use of The initial contact with the local population
cyanidation will be restricted, particularly should be carefully planned and, if possible, be
after two spills, in 1998 in Kyrgyzstan from a enabled by an intermediary, such as a local offi-
delivery truck and in 2000 in Romania from a cial trusted by both parties and probably after
tailings dam. Strong objections to cyanidation consulting someone with well-developed skills
were raised at Ovacik in Turkey and this was in dealing with local government and commu-
one of the reasons for the long delay in com- nity leaders in the area. The process of explora-
missioning that mine after development tion and possible outcomes should be carefully
(section 4.2.1). explained so that unrealistic expectations are
Although mining has had a poor record in en- not raised. Local labor and purchasing should
vironmental impact, modern mines are capable be used wherever possible and training should
of being designed to minimize these impacts. be provided. Major mining companies are now
The very limited impact of the Ekati and aware of the problems and provide training