A scientific analysis published recently has warned that climate change could exacerbate the risks of metal mining pollution on marine environments.
The researchers assessed the current extent and state of mining activities, by outlining potential transport pathways of metal mine contaminants to the coast, compiling a database of active and inactive mines that have the potential to pollute the marine environment and comparing this to 21st century climate prediction maps of relevant natural processes.
To tackle the pipeline of mine to sea, they then identified regions with overlapping climate hazards to isolate potential future hotspots of marine mining-related metal pollution and discussed the coastal areas in need of monitoring or intervention.
More than 90% of mine related metals are sediment associated and are transported 10 to 100 km downstream of mining operations, leading to accumulation and storage in floodplains and along river channels, estuaries and the coast.
Similarly, metal contaminants can also be transported to the coastal environment through atmospheric pathways.
As a result, fish species can be impacted, a loss of biodiversity can be seen and effects such as population decline, altered behaviour and more have been recorded.
Recent assessments estimate that around 23 million people and 6 million livestock are exposed to mine contamination on floodplains.
In areas that have already been polluted, the researchers said dredging, covering or stabilising the contaminated sediment can keep it from entering the ecosystem.
They also urge those responsible to use the best available prevention practices (like filtering or burying mining waste and shoring up dam walls) to limit contamination before it happens.
