ENVI1038 Environmental Elective: Mining and the Environment
ENVI1038
Mining and the Environment
College of Science, Engineering and Health
Learning Guide
ENVI1038 Environmental Elective: Mining and the Environment
Project development team:
Subject matter experts:
?? Jeff Hughes
?? Rebecca Rose
Project sponsored by: Julianne Reid (Deputy PVC, Learning and Teaching,
College of Science, Engineering and Health)
Educational Developer: Rodney Inns
Desktop Publishing: Geoff Marchiori
This Learning Package is part of the study materials for ENVI1038 Environmental
Studies, which is an elective offered by the College of Science, Engineering &
Health at RMIT University.
It is revised annually by the School of Applied Sciences in the College of Science ,
Engineering & Health
Published by RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000.
? RMIT University 2011.
This courseware is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright
Act 1968 and subsequent amendments, no part may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted by any means or process whatsoever without the
prior written permission of the publisher.
Disclaimer
While the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (“RMIT University”}
endeavours to provide accurate material on its web site, it gives no warranty
concerning the accuracy of the material provided by this service. Users should
refer to the originating bodies or departments sourcing the documents for
confirmation of the accuracy of the material.
RMIT University provides hypertext links to a number of external sites, but does
not accept responsibility for material on these external sites.
The user of the link is responsible for the downloading of any linked material,
and/or any fees or charges incurred by the downloading of this material.
Downloading of images and/or text without the permission of the copyright
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ENVI1038 Environmental Elective: Mining and the Environment
Use of Icons
The following icons have been used throughout this Learning Guide to indicate
what you need to do next.
Reference/reading/resource/research – this may be
printed and/or available in Resources section.
Individual Activity – may be self assessment questions,
problem solving, demonstration, simulation, lab, checklist/short
answer after reading, case study. Complete the activity following
instructions given.
Group Activity – may be problem solving, lab, case study,
demonstration. Complete the activity following instructions
given.
Feedback – usually a type of formative assessment,
such as online quizzes or other activities that allow you to check
answers and responses for the set task(s).
Frequently Asked Questions – provides some responses to
key areas students have highlighted as queries or difficulties.
Summary and Outcome Checklist – what has been learnt,
in preparation for assessment.
Assessment – must be achieved to pass topic or group of
topics. Turn to the assessment for details of assessment
requirements.
Additional reading- additional reading and research to
extend knowledge of key area.
Evaluation – tool to gain student feedback on course content,
structure and/or implementation issues.
Branching – research and extension material giving alternative
approaches to an issue or problem.
Online – additional text, audio, video, or web content.
Reflection – an opportunity to consider an item or issues
from your own, or a given, context.
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Table of Contents
USE OF ICONS 3
COURSE OUTLINE 4
INTRODUCTION 6
COURSE – MINING AND THE ENVIRONMENT 6
COURSE DEVELOPMENT 6
CONCEPTUAL BACKGROUND 8
PROGRESS THROUGH THE COURSE 8
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR COURSE COORDINATOR 8
RESOURCES 9
COMPUTER ACCESS: 9
SET TEXT AND RESOURCES: 9
FURTHER READING: 10
PLANNING AND TIME MANAGEMENT GUIDE: ENVIRONMENTAL ELECTIVE – MINING
AND THE ENVIRONMENT 12
ASSESSMENT 19
ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE 20
MAJOR ASSESSMENT 1: IMPACT OF MINING ON THE ENVIRONMENT, ESSAY 21
MAJOR ASSESSMENT 2: ESSAY ON A CASE STUDY ON THE APPLICATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT 22
(TOPIC GUIDES) 23
TOPIC 1: IMPACT OF MINING ON THE ENVIRONMENT 25
LEARNING OUTCOMES 25
INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC 25
BACKGROUND SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 26
SESSION 1.1 THE MINING INDUSTRY 26
LEARNING OUTCOMES 26
SESSION 1.2 IMPACT OF MINING 28
LEARNING OUTCOMES 28
SESSION 1.3 ACID MINE DRAINAGE 29
LEARNING OUTCOMES 30
SESSION 1.4 REMEDIATION AT A GLANCE 31
LEARNING OUTCOMES 31
SESSION 1.5 BIOLOGICAL REMEDIATION 32
LEARNING OUTCOMES 32
SESSION 1.6 ESSAY ON THE IMPACT OF MINING ON THE ENVIRONMENT 34
LEARNING OUTCOMES 34
SUMMARY AND OUTCOME CHECKLIST 36
ASSESSMENT 36
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TOPIC 2: MINING OPERATIONS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT 37
LEARNING OUTCOMES 37
INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC 37
BACKGROUND SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 37
SESSION 2.1 MINING OPERATIONS: GOLD AND COPPER MINING 38
LEARNING OUTCOMES 38
SESSION 2.2 MINING OPERATIONS: URANIUM MINING 40
LEARNING OUTCOMES 40
SESSION 2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF MINING OPERATIONS 41
LEARNING OUTCOMES 42
SUMMARY AND OUTCOME CHECKLIST 43
ASSESSMENT 43
TOPIC 3: CASE STUDIES ON THE APPLICATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT 45
LEARNING OUTCOMES 45
INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC 45
BACKGROUND SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 46
SESSION 3.1 RESEARCH CASE STUDY ONE 46
LEARNING OUTCOMES 47
SESSION 3.2 WRITE FIRST REPORT 48
LEARNING OUTCOMES 48
SESSION 3.3 RESEARCH AND WRITE CASE STUDY 2 48
LEARNING OUTCOMES 49
SUMMARY AND OUTCOME CHECKLIST 50
ASSESSMENT 50
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COURSE OUTLINE
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Introduction
Course – Mining and the Environment
Welcome to the unit ‘Mining and the Environment’
The mining industry has a big impact on the economies of resource-rich countries
like Australia. However in the mining and processing of minerals there is the
potential for significant impacts on the environment.
This unit focuses on the way mining can impact on the environment, with a focus
on the impacts on the soil and water environments. Methods used for remediation
of mine cites, including specific case studies, are examined.
This course also provides you with an opportunity to appreciate the relevance of
the course material in a social, cultural and international context. It will help you
assess critical factors necessary to solve environmental problems and critically
evaluate reports presented in the media on environmental issues, that will help
you communicate ideas and information about the environment in a clear, concise
way.
Course Development
Dr Jeff Hughes
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 9925 3370
Address: 3.2.16 City Campus
From his teachings in both science and the environment, Jeff knows that there is a
need for students to have an understanding of the science behind environmental
issues. So they are able to make informed decisions about environmental issues
after they graduate. The Mining and the Environment course is one of nine
courses that were developed to give students from other disciplines a chance to
broaden their knowledge in an environmental area. Each course has been
designed by calling on elements from the existing environmental science program
and adding new elements.
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Jeff has a Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemistry and a PhD from Latrobe
University (1975). He was a foundation student at Latrobe. He also has degree in
mathematics and computing from University of Central Queensland. After
teaching for 7 years at Rockhampton he came to RMIT in 1987 and has since
taught Chemistry and Environmental Science.
Rebecca Rose
Name: Rebecca Rose
After completing the Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Science), at
RMIT University, Rebecca completed her honours in waste management. She has
also worked as a Landcare Salinity Officer in the Westernport Catchment, and is
currently working as an Environmental Scientist, developing an Environmental
Management System (EMS) for a prestigious company within the Olive industry.
In the near future, Rebecca will be completing a Master in Environmental
Planning.
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Conceptual Background
This course assumes that you have:
?? some basic knowledge of science is useful but not essential
?? a working knowledge of computers and accessing the internet
?? a working knowledge of Microsoft™ WORD or similar packages
Progress Through the Course
Use the Planning and Time Management chart at the end of Course Outline to
assist you in working through the course. The chart lists all your topics and their
learning outcomes, and the activities and assessments to complete. Make sure you
use the Time Management chart as a way of scheduling your time, and assessing
your progress.
You will be studying this course over a suggested duration of 13 weeks
(approximately 3 hours per week).
When you have completed the course Learning Guide, put aside some time for
review before the examination. You will be informed of the examination time by
your course coordinator via the Online Classroom.
Communicating with your Course Coordinator
Whenever you have a problem or a question, you will be able to contact your
coordinator via email. The email contact is available through the myRMIT site for
Environmental Studies.
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Resources
Computer Access:
You will be able to have online access as a student of RMIT University. You will be
given a generic password, which you can then change if you wish.
This will enable you to:
ask your coordinator questions via email
register and send your assessments when indicated in the Learning
Guide
access programs online where indicated in the Learning Guide
talk to students at other campuses in forums or as part of a group
activity
access announcements relevant to your study. Make sure you access
announcements at least once a week
Set Text and Resources:
There are no set texts for this course the resources are the Western Treatment Plant
Explorer and the Eastern Treatment Plant Explorer, located on Melbourne Water’s
website.
Any other references specifically used are included (weblink) in this learning
package and/or are located in the myRMIT Studies course site.
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Further Reading:
The following provide additional references for exploration:
?? F.G.Bell, L.J.Donnelly, Mining and its Impact on the Environment,
Taylor and Francis (London, 2006)
?? B.G. Lottermoser, Mine Wastes: Characterization, Treatment and
Environmental Impact, Springer (Queensland, 2007)
?? D. Mulligan, Environmental Management in the Australian Minerals
and Energy Industries, UNSW Press( Sydney, 1996)
?? RMIT (2005) Essay Writing Tutorial1, RMIT University Study and
Learning Centre.
?? RMIT (2007) Writing an essay2, RMIT University Study and Learning
Centre.
1https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/2_AssessmentTasks/assess_tuts/essay_LL/index
.html
2https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/2_AssessmentTasks/assess_pdf/super_essay.pdf
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Planning and Time Management Guide: Environmental Elective –
Mining and the Environment
Week(s)
of study
Topic Learning outcomes Approx.
hours
Activities Assessment Assessment
submission
week:
Wk 1 Impact of mining on
the Environment
The Mining Industry
?? Identify the difference
between mining and
mineral exploration
?? Define the economic
importance of the
Australian Mineral
Industry
2 Hours Complete
Activity 1 A
Hand Out
Assessment 1: Impact
of mining on the
environment 50% due
end week 7 Sunday
24:00
Assessment 2: Essay
on a Case study on
the applications of
environmental
management 50% due
end week 12,
Sunday 24:00
Reference
The mining and its
impact on the
Environment-
Resource Material
Handout Available as
pdf documents in the
Mining folder in
‘Course Documents’
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.
Wk 2 Impact of mining on
the Environment
Impact of Mining
?? Discuss the impact mining
has on the environment
?? Discuss the methods to
lessen the environmental
impact of mining
operations/processes
2 Hours Complete
Activity 1B
Wk 3 Impact of mining on
the Environment
Acid Mine Drainage
?? Discuss the formation of
Acid Mine Drainage and
its associated impact
?? Discuss the methods to
lessen the environmental
impact of mining
operations/processes
2 Hours Complete
Activity 1 C
Wk 4 Impact of mining on
the Environment
Remediation at a
Glance
?? Discuss the methods to
lessen the environmental
impact of mining
operations/processes
?? List and detail remediation
strategies in the mining
industry
2 Hours Complete
Activity 1 D
Wk 5 Impact of mining on
the Environment
Biological
Remediation
?? Discuss the use of
biological remediation of
mine sites, such as
wetlands or
phytoremediation
2 Hours Complete
Activity 1 E
Wk 6 Impact of mining on ?? Research and evaluate the 2 Hours Complete Assessment 1:
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the Environment
Essay on the Impact
of Mining on the
Environment
general impacts of mining,
the use of biological
remediation, the impacts
and remediation strategies
of acid mine drainage
and/or the process and
impacts of copper
extraction
?? Discuss the impact mining
has on the environment
?? Discuss the methods to
lessen the environmental
impact of mining
operations/processes
Activity 1 F Impact of
mining on the
environment
50% due end
week 7
Wk 7 Mining Operations
and their
Management
Mining Operations:
Gold and Copper
Mining
?? Identify mining operations
and discuss the impact
they have on the
environment, remediation
strategies and methods to
lessen the environmental
impact of
operations/processes
?? Evaluate the impact
mining has on social,
environmental and
economic values
?? Discuss the process of
extracting copper mineral
from the ore body
?? Describe the ways in which
copper mining can impact
the environment
2 Hours Complete
Activity 2 A
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?? Describe the ways in which
uranium mining can
impact the environment
Wk 8 Mining Operations
and their
Management
Mining Operations:
Uranium Mining
?? Identify mining operations
and discuss the impact
they have on the
environment, remediation
strategies and methods to
lessen the environmental
impact of
operations/processes
?? Evaluate the impact
mining has on social,
environmental and
economic values
?? Describe the ways in which
uranium mining can
impact the environment
2 Hours Complete
Activity 2 B
Wk 9 Mining Operations
and their
Management
Environmental
Management of
Mining Operations
?? Identify the mining
environmental
management systems and
associated assessments
2 Hours Complete
Activity 2 C
Wk 10 Case Studies on the
Applications of
Environmental
Management
?? Identify and compare
environmental issues and
policy of two annual
Environment Progress
Reports
?? Discuss whether the
mining company has been
4 Hours Complete
Activity 3 A
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successful in achieving its
environmental goals
?? Identify and discuss the
considerations that you
would not have expected
in the Environmental
Impact Assessment
?? Clarify whether the mining
of uranium should occur at
Jabiluka
?? Critically discuss the
impact of the Ok Tedi
copper mine
?? Evaluate environmental
management reports using
the knowledge gained of
mining environmental
management systems and
associated assessments
?? Evaluate the impact
mining has on social,
environmental and
economic values
Wk 11 Case Studies on the
Applications of
Environmental
Management
?? Identify and compare
environmental issues and
policy of two annual
Environment Progress
Reports
?? Discuss whether the
mining company has been
successful in achieving its
environmental goals
4 Hours Complete
Activity 3 B
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?? Identify and discuss the
considerations that you
would not have expected
in the Environmental
Impact Assessment
?? Clarify whether the mining
of uranium should occur at
Jabiluka
?? Critically discuss the
impact of the Ok Tedi
copper mine
?? Evaluate environmental
management reports using
the knowledge gained of
mining environmental
management systems and
associated assessments
?? Evaluate the impact
mining has on social,
environmental and
economic values
Wk 12 Case Studies on the
Applications of
Environmental
Management
?? Identify and compare
environmental issues and
policy of two annual
Environment Progress
Reports
?? Discuss whether the
mining company has been
successful in achieving its
environmental goals
?? Identify and discuss the
considerations that you
4 Hours Complete
Activity 3 C
Assessment 2:
Essay on a Case
study on the
applications of
environmental
management
50% due end
week 12,
Friday at 5pm
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would not have expected
in the Environmental
Impact Assessment
?? Clarify whether the mining
of uranium should occur at
Jabiluka
?? Critically discuss the
impact of the Ok Tedi
copper mine
?? Evaluate environmental
management reports using
the knowledge gained of
mining environmental
management systems and
associated assessments
?? Evaluate the impact
mining has on social,
environmental and
economic values
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ASSESSMENT
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Assessment Schedule
Topic
Covered
Assessment Task Proportion of
Final
Assessment
Submission
Time*
1 and 2 Assessment1:– Impact of
Mining on the Environment,
Essay
50 % Wk 7
2 and 3 Assessment 2:– Essay on a
Case study on the
Applications of Environmental
Management
50 % Wk 12
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Major Assessment 1: Impact of Mining on the
Environment, Essay
Major Assessment 1
DUE: Friday of week 7, by 5pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Impact of Mining on the Environment, Essay 50 %
?? Answer two of the four questions
?? The assessment should be written in the format of an essay
?? Your discussion should give a balanced overview of the topic
(looking at all sides)
?? Your essay should use a variety of references
?? The total length of the assignment should be 2000 words.
?? The essay questions are located in the ‘Mining and the Environment’
folder in ‘Course Information’
An assessment guide is included in ‘Submission of Assignments’ folder in ‘Course
Information’. Directions for submitting assignments is also in the folder
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Major Assessment 2: Essay on a Case Study on the
Applications of Environmental
Management
Major Assessment 2
DUE: Friday of week 12, by 5pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Essay on a Case Study on the Applications of
Environmental Management 50%
?? Answer two of the four questions
?? The assessment should be written in the format of an essay
?? Your discussion should give a balanced overview of the topic
(looking at all sides)
?? Your essay should use a variety of references
?? The total length of the assignment should be 2000 words.
?? The essay questions are located in the ‘Mining and the Environment’
folder in ‘Course Information’
?? An assessment guide is included in ‘Submission of Assignments’
folder in ‘Course Information’. Directions for submitting assignments
is also in the folder
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LEARNING GUIDE
(Topic Guides)
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Topic 1: Impact of mining on the Environment
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this topic you will be able to:
?? Identify the difference between mining and mineral exploration
?? Define the economic importance of the Australian Mineral Industry
?? Discuss the impact mining has on the environment
?? Discuss the formation of Acid Mine Drainage and its associated impact
?? Discuss the methods to lessen the environmental impact of mining
operations/processes
?? List and detail remediation strategies in the mining industry
?? Discuss the use of biological remediation of mine sites, such as wetlands or
phytoremediation
?? Research and evaluate the general impacts of mining, the use of biological
remediation, the impacts and remediation strategies of acid mine drainage
and/or the process and impacts of copper extraction
Introduction to the Topic
Mining and its subsequent activities are carried out under the provisions of the
Mineral Resources Development Act 1990 and undertaken in accordance to a work
authority granted by the Department of Primary Industries. The Australian
minerals industry is one of the top five producers of the world’s mineral
commodities and injected around $91 billion into the Australian economy in 2006-
07.
In this topic you will understand the different types of mining, how mining impacts
the economy, the impacts on the soil and water environments and look at attempts
that have been tried to lessen this impact. You will also look at the way Acid Mine
Drainage is formed, the conditions necessary for its formation and attempt to treat
the problem. Remediation strategies (including wetlands and phytoremediation)
for treating mining contamination of land and water will be discussed.
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Background Skills and Knowledge
?? Basic knowledge of science
?? Ability to use the computer
Session 1.1 The Mining Industry
In this session, you are given a variety of references to understand the basics of the
mineral industry. The references detail the difference between mining and mineral
exploration, the different types of mining processes and the activities and processes
for assessing mining proposals, previous and current statistics related to the
Australian mineral industry.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be able to:
?? Identify the difference between mining and mineral exploration
?? Define the economic importance of the Australian Mineral Industry
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Activity 1A: The Mining Industry
Read 3The Mining Industry to obtain an overview of the mining industry
Task (myRMIT Studies: View diagrams)
Diagrams 15 and 16 in the “Gold Mining.pdf” resource material (available
from the Mining and the Environment’, ‘Mining Resources’ folder in ’
Course Documents’), to see a schematic diagram of the typical processes in
a mining operation such as gold.
Read (Handout & MCA_Minerals_Industry_Factsheet_250507.pdf)
Read the “EIS.pdf’ file (Mining Resources folder, Mining and the
Environment, Course Docuemnts), to comprehend mining and
environmental and social effects of mining on Australia’s economy. An
article on the impact mining has on the economy is located in the document
“The Australian Minerals industry and the Australian Economy4”.
Quiz (myRMIT Studies)
Self Assessment Quiz: The Mining Industry (multiple choice questions),
located in the myRMIT Studies under the Course Information button in the
Mining and its Impact on the Environment folder.
3 http://www.miningcareers.com/about-the-industry
4 http://www.minerals.org.au/news/minerals_exports_continue_to_support_australian_economy
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Video (Website: YouTube)
Watch a 3 minute video “Geologist5(peopleforthefuture, 2008)” discussing
the difference between mining and mineral exploration that also shows the
typical equipment used for underground mining and mineral exploration.
Session 1.2 Impact of Mining
The impacts of mining on the environment can be substantial and varied. In this
session we focus on impacts on the soil and water environments and look at
attempts that have been tried to lessen this impact.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be able to:
?? Discuss the impact mining has on the environment
?? Discuss the methods to lessen the environmental impact of mining
operations/processes
5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0iLuDJfhHU&feature=related
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Activity 1B: Impact of Mining
Read (myRMIT Studies: mining.ppt 5.61Mb)
Read the power point presentation: “mining presentation” on the
Environmental impact of mining. The file is located in the myRMIT Studies
under the Course Documents button in the Mining and the Environment
folder.
Read (Mining and the Environment handout)
Read pages 20-21 of the “Mining and the Environment” handout collected
from the course coordinator, for a summary of the possible impacts of
mining, including physical, ecological, land use, social, infrastructure and
heritage aspects
Task (myRMIT Studies: View diagrams)
Diagrams 1, 2, 4 and 6 -9 in the “Mining and its Impact on the
Environment” resource material handout (available from the Mining folder’
Course Documents’),, to see the basic water use flow sheet for metal
extraction mines and concentrations of heavy metal and other parameters
in mine effluent, water use by mineral exploration and mines,
concentrations of cations and anions in river water and a guide to the toxic
thresholds for freshwater.
Quiz (myRMIT Studies)
Self Assessment Quiz: Impacts of Mining (multiple choice questions),
located in the myRMIT Studies under the Course Information button in the
Mining and its impact on the Environment folder.
Session 1.3 Acid Mine Drainage
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is probably the most serious and widespread impact
that mining has on water and soil. It occurs whenever sulphide minerals are mined
for metals such as gold, copper, lead and silver. We look at the way AMD is
formed, the conditions necessary for its formation and attempt to treat the problem.
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be able to:
?? Discuss the formation of Acid Mine Drainage and its associated impact
?? Discuss the methods to lessen the environmental impact of mining
operations/processes
Activity 1C: Acid Mine Drainage
Read (myRMIT Studies: acid mine drainage presentation-amd.ppt
852Kb)
Power point presentation: Acid Mine Drainage, located in the myRMIT
Studies under the Course Documents button in the Mining and the
Environment folder.
Task (myRMIT Studies: View diagrams)
AMD.pdf in the “Mining and its impact on the environment” resource
material folder in the Mining folder, ’ Course Documents’), to see the US
EPA classification of acid mine drainage and the concentration of various
parameters from a range of mine effluent/discharge.
Read (Website: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water,
Population and Communities / ssr125-section06.pdf 894Kb)
The report“Acid Mine Drainage in Australia6” to appreciate the extent and
potential future liability of acid mine drainage in Australia. You can
further investigate technologies for managing wastes, transfer and
awareness, climatic affects and groundwater, and comparisons with other
mines and environmental costs at this site.
Quiz (myRMIT Studies)
6 http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/acid-mine-drainage-australia-its-extent-and-potentialfuture-
liability
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Self Assessment Quiz: Acid Mine Drainage (multiple choice questions),
located in the myRMIT Studies under the Course Information button in the
Mining and its impact on the Environment folder.
Read-Optional (Website: Department of Sustainability, Environment,
Water, Population and Communities) & ssr108.pdf 5.43Mb)
Read the “Executive summary7” of “Remediation options to reduce acid
drainage from historical mining operations at Mount Lyell, western
Tasmania8” that discusses using a conventional neutralization water
treatment plant by Solvent Extraction/Electro winning (sx/ew), for another
remediation strategy of acid mine drainage.
Session 1.4 Remediation at a Glance
This session introduces the remediation generally and looks at the various options
for treating mining contamination of land and water.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be able to:
?? Discuss the methods to lessen the environmental impact of mining
operations/processes
?? List and detail remediation strategies in the mining industry
7 http://www.environment.gov.au/ssd/publications/ssr/108.html
8 http://http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/remediation-options-reduce-acid-drainagehistorical-
mining-operations-mount-lyell-western
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Activity 1D: Remediation at a Glance
Read (Mining and the Environment handout)
’Impacts of Mining.pdf’ (available from the Mining folder’ Course
Documents’), , for the major factors and stages in rehabilitation programs.
Read (Mining and the Environment handout)
’Environmental Issues.pdf’ handout, for a summary of the environmental
issues, proposed management and the anticipated outcomes of the
management strategies.
Task (myRMIT Studies: View diagrams)
Diagrams 10, 14 and 24 of the “Mining and its Impact on the Environment”
resource material handout to see the advantages and disadvantages of
tailings dams, treatment of cyanide waste and treatment methods for
sulphidic waste.
Quiz (myRMIT Studies)
Self Assessment Quiz: Remediation at a Glance (multiple choice
questions), located in the myRMIT Studies under the Course Information
button in the Mining and its impact on the Environment folder.
Session 1.5 Biological Remediation
Biological remediation is a fairly new approach to mine site remediation but offers
many advantages. The use of wetlands and phyto-remediation are gaining
increased popularity as they do not involve major additions of chemicals or
removal and treatment of large quantities of soil.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be able to:
?? Discuss the use of biological remediation of mine sites, such as wetlands or
phytoremediation
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ENVI1038 Environmental Elective: Mining and the Environment
Activity 1E: Biological Remediation
Read (Website: Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable)
Read the document “Constructed wetlands9”to get an overview of a typical
wetland system, applicability and limitations.
Read (Introduction to Phytoremediation)
The pdf “Introduction to phytoremediation10” gives an overview of
how plants clean up soil and their applicability to mine sites.
Quiz (myRMIT Studies)
Self Assessment Quiz: Biological Remediation (multiple choice questions),
located in the myRMIT Studies under the Course Information button in the
Mining and its impact on the Environment folder.
Read-Optional (Remediation of contaminated water by constructed
wetlands – w3.pdf 32Kb)
Read the articles “Remediation in Constructed wetlands“, “Constructed
Wetland technology “, “Evaluation of Substrate Clogging Processes
in Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands “ and “Screening of Plant Species
for Phytotreatment of Wastewater containing Sulphonated Aromatic
Compounds” in the “Remediation of contaminated water by constructed
wetlands11” to obtain an overview of using wetlands as remedial strategies
discussed at a variety of contaminated sites and a phytoremediation
strategy.
9 http://www.frtr.gov/matrix2/section4/4-43.html
10 https://clu-in.org/download/remed/introphyto.pdf
11 http://lbewww.epfl.ch/COST837/grainau/W3.pdf
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ENVI1038 Environmental Elective: Mining and the Environment
Session 1.6 Essay on the Impact of Mining on the
Environment
In this session, you are required to select two of the questions from the assignment
sheet and research them. Either write about general impacts of mining, the use of
biological remediation, the impacts and remediation strategies of acid mine
drainage and/or the process and impacts of copper extraction.
Then you are required to discuss your topic in detail to form a coherent, linear
argument. Your discussion should give a balanced overview of the topic (looking at
all sides) and utilise a number of references.
Start with working out the focus and tasks required to answer the questions. It is a
good idea to start reading general texts to gain an overview of the topic and look
for potential ways to structure your essay. Write down the main points/arguments
of the topic and then find further information on these points/arguments.
Take the time to work through the activities and examples in the essay writing
tutorial it will help you structure, plan and order your essays in a logical and
coherent manner.
To make writing more efficient, you shouldn’t worry about spelling, grammar,
sentence structure or finding the ‘right’ word until you have finalised the content of
the essay. It may also be easier to concentrate on the body of the essay first, and
then the conclusion followed by the introduction.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be able to:
?? Research and evaluate the general impacts of mining, the use of biological
remediation, the impacts and remediation strategies of acid mine drainage
and/or the process and impacts of copper extraction
?? Discuss the impact mining has on the environment
?? Discuss the methods to lessen the environmental impact of mining
operations/processes
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Activity 1F: Essay on the Impact of Mining on the Environment
Research (assignment sheet)
Choose two of the four questions listed in the assignment sheet (in
‘Mining and the Environment Outline.doc’ , Mining folder, Course
Information) that relate to the impact mining has on the environment. To
answer the copper question (d) relevant references are in first session of the
next topic ‘Mining Operations and their Management’.
Tutorial (Learning Lab: Essay writing skills)
A 30min to 1 hour “Essay writing skills12” tutorial located in the online to
gain knowledge on how to write an essay. Take the time to work through
the activities and examples to aide learning.
Task (Essay)
Write an essay on your chosen questions and submit to course coordinator
by Friday end of week 7.
12 https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/2_AssessmentTasks/01essays.htm
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Summary and Outcome Checklist
Over the past six weeks the way the mining and processing of minerals can have an
impact on the environment has been discussed. In particular, Acid Mine Drainage –
its causes and potential treatments – has been examined. We have looked at
biological methods used to remediate mine sites such as wetlands and
phytoremediation.
You may not be able to tick all the statements because they relate to every question
in each assessment. In assessment 1 you only answer two of the questions as part of
your assessment, therefore you may have some boxes unchecked.
Tick the box for each statement with which you agree:
I can now…
? Identify the difference between mining and mineral exploration
? Define the economic importance of the Australian Mineral Industry
? Discuss the impact mining has on the environment
? Discuss the formation of Acid Mine Drainage and its associated
impact
? Discuss the methods to lessen the environmental impact of mining
operations/processes
? List and detail remediation strategies in the mining industry
? Discuss the use of biological remediation of mine sites, such as
wetlands or phytoremediation
? Research and evaluate the general impacts of mining, the use of
biological remediation, the impacts and remediation strategies of acid
mine drainage and/or the process and impacts of copper extraction
Assessment
This topic will be assessed as part of the Major Assessment task: 1 (see: Assessment
for more detail). This aims to ensure understanding of key concepts of the impacts
of mining on the environment.
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Topic 2: Mining Operations and their
Management
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this topic you will be able to:
?? Identify mining operations and discuss the impact they have on the
environment, remediation strategies and methods to lessen the
environmental impact of operations/processes
?? Evaluate the impact mining has on social, environmental and economic
values
?? Discuss the process of extracting copper mineral from the ore body
?? Describe the ways in which copper mining can impact the environment
?? Identify the mining environmental management systems and associated
assessments
Introduction to the Topic
In this topic we look at the principles of mine management and the implementation
of Best Practices. This is accomplished by examining case studies of mining
operations in Australia and PNG.
Background Skills and Knowledge
?? Basic knowledge of science
?? Ability to use the computer
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Session 2.1 Mining Operations: Gold and Copper
Mining
The mining of Gold and Copper has particular impacts on the environment. As
both metals occur as sulphide pres or are found with sulphide minerals the
potential for Acid Mine Drainage is a very real problem. The use of extremely toxic
cyanide in the extraction of gold presents challenging problems to manage, contain
and treat the wastes form this process.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be able to:
?? Identify mining operations and discuss the impact they have on the
environment, remediation strategies and methods to lessen the
environmental impact of operations/processes
?? Evaluate the impact mining has on social, environmental and economic
values
?? Discuss the process of extracting copper mineral from the ore body
?? Describe the ways in which copper mining can impact the environment
?? Describe the ways in which uranium mining can impact the environment
Activity 2A: Mining Operations: Gold and Copper Mining
Read (Mining and the Environment handout)
Read ‘Mining of Copper and Uranium.pdf’, for the recovery of copper from
ores, the potential impacts of copper processes, an article on a disaster of a
copper mine in the Philippines and associated details of the site and their
impacts. The handouts also detail the impacts from the Mt Lyell and Ok
Tedi mines.
Read (Website: Dept. of Resources, Energy and Tourism)
Read the “Australian Mineral Resources13” to get an overview of
Australia’s mineral resources, particularly Gold and
13 http://www.ga.gov.au/minerals/mineral-resources/aimr.html#
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Task (myRMIT Studies – gold mining.pdf 260Kb)
Examine the diagrams in the gold mining.pdf (myRMIT Studies, course
documents, mining and the Environment, Mining Resources Files folder) to see a
schematic flow sheet of a gold mine and associated descriptions of the
processes in a gold mine operation, the treatment of cyanide water, the
advantages and disadvantages of tailing ponds and the typical operation of
smelting copper.
Quiz (myRMIT Studies)
Self Assessment Quiz: Copper and Gold Mining (multiple choice
questions), located in the myRMIT Studies under the Course Information
button in the Mining and its impact on the Environment folder.
Video (myRMIT Studies & YouTube)
Watch the first 10 minutes of the documentary After the Gold Rush14 (ABC
Four Corners, 2000). The video link is located in myRMIT Studies under the
Course Documents button in the Mining and the Environment folder. The Four
Corners program discusses the negative impact of the Ok Tedi copper mine
in Papua New Guinea. The first 10 minutes of “After the Gold
Rush15(Journeyman Pictures, 2008, 10min)” is also available on YouTube.
Video (Website: YouTube)
Watch a video on “The Highland Valley Copper Mine16”(bcbackrider,
2007, 4min) to see a landscape view of an open pit copper mine and inside
the processing plant in the United States of America, and a the video
“Prominent Hill News Clip17”(Channel Ten News, 2008, 1.46min) on
copper mining in Australia to see an overview of Prominent Hills copper
mine and its impact on the Australian economy.
14, Andrew Fowler (reporter) 2000, After the Gold Rush (television Broadcast) 4th October 2000, Four
Corners, Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
15 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJqPaOubSgQ
16 link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6TVCzJd2W8&feature=related
17 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOTpg_znKuY
ENVI1038 Environmental Elective: Mining and the Environment
Session 2.2 Mining Operations: Uranium Mining
Uranium mining has particular importance for Australia. We have some of the
world’s largest reserves but some of these reserves occur adjacent to significant
heritage areas such as Kakadu. The competing interests of economic benefits and
environmental damage need to be carefully balanced. In this session you look at the
approaches that have been taken to managing the environment at the Jabiluka mine
in the NT as a particularly important case study.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be able to:
?? Identify mining operations and discuss the impact they have on the
environment, remediation strategies and methods to lessen the
environmental impact of operations/processes
?? Evaluate the impact mining has on social, environmental and economic
values
?? Describe the ways in which uranium mining can impact the environment
Activity 2B: Mining Operations: Uranium Mining
Read (myRMIT Studies – Impacts of Mining.pdf 249Kb)
Read the document Impacts of Mining.pdf (myRMIT Studies, course
documents, mining and the Environment, Mining Resources Files folder) for the
chemical parameters monitored in surface water and groundwater at
Jabiluka.
Task (myRMIT Studies – Mining of copper and uranium.pdf 374Kb)
The diagram on the typical operations at a Uranium mine in Mining of
copper and uranium.pdf (myRMIT Studies, course documents, mining and the
Environment, Mining Resources Files folder) to see the typical operations at a
Uranium mine.
Quiz (myRMIT Studies)
Self Assessment Quiz: Uranium Mining (multiple choice questions),
located in the myRMIT Studies under the Course Information button in the
Mining and its impact on the Environment folder.
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Video (myRMIT Studies)
Watch a 62 minute video on the impact the Jabiluka mine had on an
aboriginal community. located in the Swanston Library Audiovisual
collection18 AV 305.89915 J11
Video- Optional (Website: YouTube)
Watch the video All that Glitters is not Gold19 (fr0ntline films, 2007, 7min)
on uranium mining to see the environmental impacts of uranium mining at
Olympic Dam.
Read (myRMIT Studies – Jabiluka summary.pdf 1.2Mb &
Website – jabiluka-eis.pdf 62Kb)
Read the 1997 Environmental Impact Statement for Jabiluka20 to observe
the environmental recommendations and requirements for the proposed
Uranium mine. Also read the summary Jabiluka summary.pdf (myRMIT
Studies, course documents, mining and the Environment, Mining Resources Files
folder).
Read (Website: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water,
Population and Communities)
Read the assessment of Jabiluka Project21 from a supervising scientist to the
World Heritage Committee.
Session 2.3 Environmental Management of Mining
Operations
In this session you look at the environmental management systems that have been
set up for mining operations, using Best Practices principles and how they can be
assessed.
18http://cat.lib.rmit.edu.au/vwebv/search?searchArg=jabiluka&searchCode=TALL&limitTo=TYP
E%3Dgm&recCount=25&searchType=1
19 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgIWbeP1P-s
20 http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/jabiluka-environmental-impact-statement
21 http://www.environment.gov.au/ssd/publications/ssr/138.html
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be able to:
?? Identify the mining environmental management systems and associated
assessments
Activity 2C: Environmental Management of Mining Operations
Read (myRMIT Studies)
Read ‘Best practices.pdf’to gain an insight to the best practices in
environmental management of mining and the principles of the Australian
Mineral Industry Code. There is also a media release that emphasises the
major deficiencies in the mining code of conduct.
Read (myRMIT Studies)
Read ’EIS.pdf’ to gain awareness of the reports required by a mining
company prior to exploration and mining, the common features of an
environmental Impact Statement including the methodology and the
elements required in an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Quiz (myRMIT Studies)
Self Assessment Quiz: Environmental Management of Mining Operations
(multiple choice questions), located in the myRMIT Studies under the Course
Information button in the Mining and its impact on the Environment folder.
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Summary and Outcome Checklist
Over the last three weeks the way Best Practices environmental management
systems can be implemented to protect the environment has been studied. The
mining and processing of gold, copper and uranium have been looked at as specific
case studies.
You may not be able to tick all the statements because they relate to every question
in each assessment. In both assessments you only answer two of the questions from
each of the assignment questions; therefore you may have some boxes unchecked.
Tick the box for each statement with which you agree:
I can now…
? Identify mining operations and discuss the impact they have on the
environment, remediation strategies and methods to lessen the
environmental impact of operations/processes
? Evaluate the impact mining has on social, environmental and
economic values
? Discuss the process of extracting copper mineral from the ore body
? Describe the ways in which copper mining can impact the
environment
? Identify the mining environmental management systems and
associated assessments
Assessment
This topic will be assessed as part of the Major Assessment task: 1 and 2 (see:
Assessment for more detail). This aims to ensure understanding mining operations
their impact and management strategies.
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Topic 3: Case Studies on the Applications of
Environmental Management
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this topic you will be able to:
?? Identify and compare environmental issues and policy of two annual
Environment Progress Reports
?? Discuss whether the mining company has been successful in achieving its
environmental goals
?? Identify and discuss the considerations that you would not have expected in
the Environmental Impact Assessment
?? Clarify whether the mining of uranium should occur at Jabiluka
?? Critically discuss the impact of the Ok Tedi copper mine
?? Evaluate environmental management reports using the knowledge gained of
mining environmental management systems and associated assessments
?? Evaluate the impact mining has on social, environmental and economic
values
Introduction to the Topic
If the activities of a mining company have the potential to contaminate the
surrounding area, the mining company is compelled to produce an environmental
impact statement (EIA). The EIA is conducted to integrate environmental aspects
into project planning and decision making. Likewise if mining operations
contaminates the surrounding area it is the responsibility of that mining company
to remediate the site, so that the environment is not degraded.
As an Environmental Scientist employed or contracted by the mining industry, it is
your responsibility as an employee or consultant to provide a rationale discussion
of the situation and provide relevant recommendations in the format of a report
(e.g. environmental improvement plan or environmental impact statement).
However before, you can write such a plan, you need to understand how to
interpret previous reports.
This topic has been designed so that you have to read environmental documents
produced by a mining company and critically evaluate the document, which will
provide you with a real-life example of an issue and/or problem, and give you the
opportunity to relate theoretical concepts to practical situations.
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Writing an essay/report on a case studies such as these, allows you to use
analytical and problem solving skills to examine what has happened and why it
has happened, as well as detailing the solutions and recommendations to fix the
issue and/or problem.
Background Skills and Knowledge
?? Basic knowledge of science
?? Ability to use the computer
Session 3.1 Research Case Study One
Over the next three weeks, you are required to select two of the questions from the
assignment sheet, research and then discuss your topic in detail to form a coherent,
linear argument. Each discussion should give a balanced overview of the topic
(looking at all sides) and utilise a number of references.
In this session it is recommended that you begin with researching your first topic,
and in the following session write your essay. However you can use this session to
research both topics, it’s up to you.
However, you should start with working out the focus and tasks required to answer
the questions. It is a good idea to start reading general texts to gain an overview of
the topic and look for potential ways to structure your essay. Write down the main
points/arguments of the topic and then find further information on these
points/arguments.
Take the time to work through the activities and examples in the essay writing and
literature review tutorials to help you structure, plan and order your essays in a
logical and coherent manner.
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be able to:
?? Identify and compare environmental issues and policy of two annual
Environment Progress Reports
?? Discuss whether the mining company has been successful in achieving its
environmental goals
?? Identify and discuss the considerations that you would not have expected in
the Environmental Impact Assessment
?? Clarify whether the mining of uranium should occur at Jabiluka
?? Critically discuss the impact of the Ok Tedi copper mine
?? Evaluate environmental management reports using the knowledge gained
of mining environmental management systems and associated assessments
?? Evaluate the impact mining has on social, environmental and economic
values
Activity 3A: Research Case Study One
Research (Assessment 2)
Choose one of the questions from Assignment 2 and critically examine and
evaluate the topic.
Tutorial-Optional (Learning Lab: Literature review)
An interactive tutorial “Literature review22” located in the online Learning
Lab. The tutorial provides tips and guidelines for researching and writing a
literature review and four steps to take into consideration when reading
literature. In short, the tutorial will guide the reader to understand the
difference between a poorly and well written literature review. It also
shows how to locate, evaluate and read relevant research and how to
summarise, analyse and organise literature.
22 https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/2_AssessmentTasks/04literature.htm
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Session 3.2 Write First Report
In this session, you are required to discuss one of your topics in detail to form a
coherent, linear argument. You need to carefully read the relevant documents such as
the Best Practices principles or the Jabiluka EIS executive summary. Then you need to
look at the questions asked and develop your arguments about the issues presented.
To make writing more efficient, you shouldn’t worry about spelling, grammar,
sentence structure or finding the ‘right’ word until you have finalised the content of
the essay. It may also be easier to concentrate on the body of the essay first, and then
the conclusion followed by the introduction.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be able to:
?? Identify and compare environmental issues and policy of two annual
Environment Progress Reports
?? Discuss whether the mining company has been successful in achieving its
environmental goals
?? Identify and discuss the considerations that you would not have expected in
the Environmental Impact Assessment
?? Clarify whether the mining of uranium should occur at Jabiluka
?? Critically discuss the impact of the Ok Tedi copper mine
?? Evaluate environmental management reports using the knowledge gained
of mining environmental management systems and associated assessments
?? Evaluate the impact mining has on social, environmental and economic
values
Activity 3B Write First Report
Task (Write a Report)
Write a report on your first Case Study Assessment.
Session 3.3 Research and Write Case Study 2
The second case study should follow the principles discussed for the first report.
Remember that it is not just what is in the reports that you should be writing about
but also your reactions/comments/ opinions of the measures taken that you should
be writing about.
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be able to:
?? Identify and compare environmental issues and policy of two annual
Environment Progress Reports
?? Discuss whether the mining company has been successful in achieving its
environmental goals
?? Identify and discuss the considerations that you would not have expected in
the Environmental Impact Assessment
?? Clarify whether the mining of uranium should occur at Jabiluka
?? Critically discuss the impact of the Ok Tedi copper mine
?? Evaluate environmental management reports using the knowledge gained
of mining environmental management systems and associated assessments
?? Evaluate the impact mining has on social, environmental and economic
values
Activity 3C Research and Write Case Study Two
Research -(Assessment 2)
Choose another one of the questions from Assignment 2 and critically
examine and evaluate the topic.
Task (Write a Report)
A report on the second Case Study assessment
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Summary and Outcome Checklist
Over the past three weeks we have been looking at how to write a report
evaluating issues to do with the management of mining operations and their
environmental impact.
You may not be able to tick all the statements because they relate to every question
in each assessment. In assessment 2 you only answer two of the questions as part of
your assessment, therefore you may have some boxes unchecked.
Tick the box for each statement with which you agree:
I can now…
? Identify and compare environmental issues and policy of two annual
Environment Progress Reports
? Discuss whether the mining company has been successful in
achieving its environmental goals
? Identify and discuss the considerations that you would not have
expected in the Environmental Impact Assessment
? Clarify whether the mining of uranium should occur at Jabiluka
? Critically discuss the impact of the Ok Tedi copper mine
? Evaluate environmental management reports using the knowledge
gained of mining environmental management systems and associated
assessments
? Evaluate the impact mining has on social, environmental and
economic values
Assessment
This topic will be assessed as part of the Major Assessment task: 2 (see: Assessment
for more detail). This aims to ensure understanding of key concepts prior to
undertaking the end of the semester examination.