Exploitation of Mineral Resources for Sustainable Development on the Example of Poland

Abstract

Nuisance for the people living in areas covered by the direct or indirect impact of the mining industry is an important social problem. The development of the mining industry depends on high environmental requirements, in particular, it is closely related to the fulfillment of obligations of safety for human health and life. Through consultation with the local society and targeted actions degraded land can become attractive. In contrast, the lack of reclamation leads to the intensification of negative phenomena: erosion, surface mass movements, changes in the ecosystem, eutrophication of water tanks. Maintaining balance in the natural environment is the basic criterion for the proper functioning of industrial facilities. Mining activity is a threat to the environment, including human health and life. Use of the environment by mining is subject to adjustment to the legislation and carrying out mining activities in line with environmental requirements. Mining activities and nature protection can operate in a sustainable manner. Appropriate selection of methods for mineral exploitation allows you to minimize the impact on the environment components. The positive impact of opencast mining is reflected in the creation of new habitats of plants and animals in post-mining areas, in the creation of new recreation places, in diversifying the landscape thanks to the construction of water reservoirs. Lakes formed after use of natural aggregates overgrown vegetation reed, acting as a convenient place to settle the water birds.