environmental effects of socioeconomic development activities

THEME 5
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

1


Table of Contents

2


List of Table

List of Figure

3


5.1. Research methods and techniques
Some important methods and techniques for field research are introduced in this section.
Within each general research approach, one or many data collection techniques may be used.
Typically, a researcher will decide for one or more data collection techniques while
considering its overall appropriateness to the research, along with other practical factors, such
as: expected quality of the collected data, estimated costs, predicted non-response rates,
expected level of measure errors, and length of the data collection period. Data collection can
be done by secondary data sources, surveys and interview.
5.1.1. Secondary data
Students can make use of secondary data before going to fieldwork. This type of data
includes previous researches and studies had been carried out in Ba Vi. Secondary data
analysis saves time that would otherwise be spent collecting data and, particularly in the case

of quantitative data, provides larger and higher-quality databases that would be unfeasible for
students to collect on their own. In addition, secondary data is also very important in case of
comparison of environmental and social changes in the research areas from one period of time
to another. Furthermore, secondary data can also be helpful in the design of primary research
and can provide a baseline with which the collected primary data results can be compared to.
The validity and reliability of secondary data must be checked carefully before using in the
research. It is recommended that only high-quality secondary data which had been examined,
approved and published can be used. It is necessary to have a review of secondary data on the
following issues in the research areas:
- Environmental changes by different time periods
- Social and economic changes
- Mineral exploration activities
- Production activities
- Tourism activities.
Limitation of secondary data:
- No proper procedure is adopted to collect the data.
- Influenced by the prejudice of the investigator sometimes.
- Lacks standard of accuracy sometimes.
5.1.2. Survey
Survey studies the sampling of individual units from a population and the associated survey
data collection techniques, such as questionnaire construction and methods for improving the
number and accuracy of responses to surveys.
Statistical surveys are undertaken with a view towards making statistical inferences about the
population being studied, and this is depends strongly on the survey questions used. Surveys
4


provide important information for all kinds of public information and research fields.
Since survey research is almost always based on a sample of the population, the success of the
research is dependent on the representativeness of the sample with respect to a target

population of interest to the researcher. That target population can range from the general
population to specific groups of people.
To identify the environmental impacts of production, mineral exploration and tourism in the
research areas, surveys designed for different groups of people are highly recommended.
There are certain skills that need to be acquired for making a good survey.
Those skills involve the following activities:
-

Identify and select potential sample members.

-

Contact sampled individuals and collect data from those who are hard to reach (or
reluctant to respond).

-

Evaluate and test questions.

-

Select the mode for posing questions and collecting responses.

-

Check data files for accuracy and internal consistency.

-

Adjust survey estimates to correct for identified errors.

5.1.3. Interview
Interviewing is a technique used to understand the experiences of others. Interviewing differs
from other methods of data collection in that it is often more exploratory in nature, and allows
for more flexibility. The most important skills to make a proper are summarized below:
- Listening: This is both the hardest as well as the most important skill in
interviewing. The listening skill in interview requires more focus and attention to
detail than what is typical in normal conversation. Thus, it is often helpful to take
notes or to tape-record the interviews.
- Ask questions (to follow up and to clarify): Although interviews are often prepared
with set of questions, it is important that the interviewers also ask follow-up
questions throughout the process. Such questions might encourage a participant to
elaborate upon something poignant that they’ve shared and are important in
acquiring a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, it
is important that an interviewer ask clarifying questions when they are confused.
- Be respectful of boundaries: It is essential that while the participant is being
interviewed they are being encouraged to explore their experiences in a manner that
is sensitive and respectful. They should not be “probed” in such a way that makes
them feel uncomfortable. Thus, it is the interviewer’s job to strike a balance between
ambiguity and specificity in their question asking.
- Asking open-ended questions instead of leading questions: Leading questions are
questions which suggest or imply an answer. While they are often asked innocently
5


they run the risk of altering the validity of the responses obtained as they discourage
participants from using their own language to express their sentiments. Thus it is
preferable that interviewers ask open-ended questions instead. For example, instead
of asking “Was the stream at the mineral exploration site polluted?” - which is
leading in nature - it would be better to ask “How do you think of the stream water

quality at the mineral exploration site? - as this suggests no expectation.
- Make the participant feel comfortable: For the participants to be more open and
express their true experiences, it is helpful to create a friendly and informal
atmosphere when the interviews are taken place.
There are different type of interviews which can be chosen depends on the situation.
- Informal, conversational interview - no predetermined questions are asked, in order
to remain as open and adaptable as possible to the interviewee’s nature and priorities;
during the interview the interviewer “goes with the flow”.
- General interview guide approach - intended to ensure that the same general areas of
information are collected from each interviewee; this provides more focus than the
conversational approach, but still allows a degree of freedom and adaptability in
getting the information from the interviewee.
- Standardized, open-ended interview - the same open-ended questions are asked to all
interviewees; this approach facilitates faster interviews that can be more easily
analyzed and compared.
- Closed, fixed-response interview - all interviewees are asked the same questions and
asked to choose answers from among the same set of alternatives. This format is
useful for those not practiced in interviewing.
Groups selected to be interviewed during fieldwork can varied from local communities, local
authorities, factory managers, tourists and experts in different fields. The greatest advantage
of interviewing is the depth of detail from the interviewees. It also has a unique advantage in
its specific form. Researchers can tailor the questions they ask to the respondent in order to
get the information they need.
The disadvantages of interviewing are complications with the planning of the interview. Not
only is recruiting people for interviews hard, due to the typically personal nature of the
interview, planning where to meet them and when can be difficult. Participants can cancel or
change the meeting place at the last minute.
5.1.4. Observation
Direct Observation
Data is gathered primarily through close visual inspection of a natural setting. Rather than

actively engaging members of a setting in conversations or interviews, the direct observer
strives to be unobtrusive and detached from the setting.
• Advantage of direct observation: It offers contextual data on settings, interactions or
individuals.
6


• Disadvantage of direct observation: Behaviors observed during direct observation
may be unusual or atypical.
• Forms of data gathered from direct observation: The principle form of direct
observation is field notes, which detail behaviors, conversations, or setting
characteristics as recorded by the researcher.
Direct observation as a research method is most appropriate to open, public settings where
anyone has a right to be or congregate.
Participant Observation
A field research method whereby the researcher develops an understanding of the
composition of a particular setting or society by taking part in the everyday routines and
rituals alongside its members.
•

Advantage of participant observation: The researcher develops a rich, "thick"
understanding of a setting and of the members within a society.

• Disadvantages of participant observation: The researcher must devote a large amount
of time (and money) to develop this complex understanding.
• The practice of participant observation, with its emphasis on developing relationships
with members, often leads to informal, conversational interviews and more formal,
in-depth interviews.
5.2. Environmental effects of Mining
5.2.1. Introduction

Mining is ranked as the fifth largest industry in the world and it is a major economic activity
in many developing countries (Corpuz, 1997). Operations, whether small or large scale, are
inherently disruptive to the environment (Kitula, 2006), producing enormous quantities of
waste that can have deleterious impacts for decades. The environmental deterioration caused
by mining occurs mainly as a result of inappropriate and wasteful working practices and
rehabilitation measures. Mining has a number of common stages or activities, each of which
has potentially adverse impacts on the natural environment, society and cultural heritage, the
health and safety of mine workers, and communities based in close proximity to operations.
As a resource- intensive and environmentally sensitive industry, it can help to accelerate the
economic development of once country at the beginning of industrialization (Changhai, et al.,
2012). Humans can either improve the environment and then benefit from it or do damage to
the environment that will endanger their own development and existence. An increasing
number of people have come to realize the importance of studies on populations, resources,
the environment and disasters (Qing-hua and Zong-jin, 2010).
Rainforests are the biggest source of oxygen, wood and medicines on this earth. Amazon
rainforest is known for alluvial gold deposits. Gold is found both in river channels and at the
banks of the river after floods (floodplains). Hydraulic mining techniques are used for mining
gold. The method involves blasting at the banks of the river. This has caused irreversible
damage to trees, birds and animals. While separating the sediment and mercury from the gold7


yielding gravel deposits, small-scale miners who are less equipped than industrial miners,
may ignore release of some mercury into the river. This mercury enters the food chain
through aquatic animals and their predators. Highly poisonous compound 'cyanide' is also
used to separate gold from sediment and rock. In spite of all precautionary measures, it
sometimes escapes into the surrounding environment. Those who eat fish are at greater risk of
ingesting such toxins. In 1978, American Council on Environmental Quality introduced the
concept of cumulative effect: when environmental effect of an activity combines with other
previous, present, and future effects, the effect will be enhanced and lead to cumulative effect
(American council on environmental quality regulation 40CFR1508). In 1997, the cumulative

effect is further explained as that accumulated through time and space by the effect of other or
previous activity on the region which has not totally recovered from previous anthropogenic
disturbing activity (USCEQ, 1997). According to cumulative process, cumulative effect
should include space congestion, time congestion, time delay, space crowed, cross boundary
effect, synergy effects, and so on (Cooper, 2004).
Based on the principle of the cumulative effect, environmental cumulative impact was
defined. Cumulative effect, therefore, was suggested to be used for evaluation of project and
regional environmental impact.
5.2.2. Potential environmental impacts of mining
The impact of the mining industry on the environment has been a public concern, with
growing appreciation of the natural environment and increasing awareness of the possible
harmful effects that the industry's activities can cause. The industry and government have
responded with a number of initiatives and regulations to protect and manage the
environmental effects of mining activities. Mining of minerals, being an environmentally
unfriendly activity, has attracted attention from the stand point of environmental impacts and
their mitigation. Another fact about mining is that it is a site specific activity and is only an
intermediate use of the land because mining is done at the sites where the minerals exist and
the land is of no use to the mining companies in the pre and post mining times. Mining affects
all the components of environment and the impacts are permanent/temporary,
beneficial/harmful, repairable/irreparable, and reversible/ irreversible.
5.2.2.1. Effects on land
Land is one of the most important resource for the human beings as this is needed for all the
activities. Mining activities both by underground as well as by opencast methods affect the
land in various ways. These impacts are briefly outlined hereunder.
Impacts of opencast mining
•

Topography and land scenario changes due to digging of open pits
and dumping of overburden rock mass in the form of the heaps.

•

The land-use pattern undergoes a change due to the use of the land
for mining, dumping, and other mining and associated activities.

•

The land-use in the surrounding areas may get affected due to the
impacts of mining on water regime.

8


•

Leachets from overburden dumps and other rock masses and
polluted water from the pits affect the characteristics of the top-soil affecting the
land-use.

•

In the mines having mineral concentration/preparation it is required
to make tailing dams to store the tailings form the concentration/preparation plants.
These dams need land and may cause pollution of nearby underground and surface
water sources.

•

The drainage pattern on the surface undergoes a change due to the
alterations in the surface topography due to mining and associated activities.

Impacts of underground mining
•
•

Changes in land use due to constructions and infrastructure
development.
Changes in topography and drainage pattern due to subsidence.

•

Disturbances in the effective land-use due to damage to the surface,
sub-surface and underground water bodies.

•

Discharge of polluted water from the underground mines affects the
top-soil on the surface.

•

The rock mass having carbonaceous shales may develop mine fires
and when these fires become surface fires they tend to damage the land over and
adjacent to them due to subsidence and heat.

•

In the con-coal mining sector there are chances of sudden collapse
of underground workings causing a marked depression on the surface. This was
observed at Zawar and Khetri.

Impacts of mineral handling and preparation
•
•
•

Changes in the land use due to the construction of mineral handling
and preparation plants.
Impacts on top-soil due to effluent discharge from the plants.
Pollution of underground water bodies (water table) due to effluent
discharge and leachets.

Impacts of other activities
•

Urbanisation, development of infrastructure and expansion of
colonies and villages cause changes in the land use.

•

Impacts on the top soil due to solid and liquid wastes discharged
from the colonies, etc.
9


•

Changes in the overall land scenario.

It is evident from the above stated impacts of the mining and associated activities on the land

that in the mining complexes the land use and surface drainage pattern undergoes a major
change. These changes can be minimized by carefully planning the surface layout of the
mining areas and optimizing the land requirement for the various uses. Therefore, before
planning the mining activities it is necessary to make a comprehensive study of the land use
and drainage pattern of the area.
Another important aspect of land management is the design of land reclamation and
development of the post mining land use, which is a requirement for the efficient management
of the land as well as the overall environmental scenario.
The development of post mining land use plan along with the land reclamation takes care of
the dumps outside the mine area as the overburden rocks are invariably required for filling the
pits. The land developed after reclamation can be brought into various uses as per the
requirement of the area in the post mining times. With these in view the practice of planning
decommissioning the mines has been recently introduced in the country.
Deforestation
Mining requires large areas of land to be cleared so that the earth could be dug into by the
miners. For this reason, large-scale deforestation is required to be carried out in the areas
where mining has to be done. Besides clearing the mining area, vegetation in the adjoining
areas also needs to be cut in order to construct roads and residential facilities for the mine
workers. The human population brings along with it other activities that harm the
environment. For example, various activities at coal mines release dust and gas into the air.
Thus, mining is one of the major causes of deforestation and pollution.
Loss of Biodiversity
The forests that are cleared for mining purposes are home to a large number of organisms.
Indiscriminate clearing of the forests leads to loss of habitat of a large number of animals.
This puts the survival of a large number of animal species at stake. The cutting down of trees
in itself is a big threat to a number of plants, trees, birds and animals growing in the forests.
Pollution
Despite measures being taken to release the chemical waste into the nearby rivers through
pipes, a large amount of chemicals still leak out onto the land. This changes the chemical
composition of the land. Besides this, since the chemicals are poisonous, they make the soil

unsuitable for plants to grow. Also, the organisms that live in the soil find the polluted
environment hostile for their survival.
5.2.2.2. Effect on water
Mining and associated activities have quantitative as well as qualitative impacts on the water
regime in and around the complexes. These are briefly outlined hereunder.

10


Impacts of opencast mining
•

All the surface water bodies have to be removed from the area
designated for opencast mining and associated activities.

•

All the aquifers, including the water-table aquifer, above the
mineral deposit to be extracted are damaged because for exposing the mineral for
extraction the overburden rocks are removed.

•

If there are high pressure aquifers below the mineral deposit it
becomes necessary to pump out water from these aquifers to reduce water pressure to
facilitate mining.

•

Water in the nearby water bodies gets polluted due to leaching from

overburden dumps, discharge of pumped out mine water, and other activities in the
vicinity of the water bodies.

•

In the areas having pyrites and sulfides in the rock mass the mine
water as well as the leachets may be acidic and their discharge in the surface water
bodies may enhance heavy metal pollution potential.

•

In the reclaimed open pits the filled out areas may accumulate water
in rock's interspaces. This may in the long run serve the purpose of a water body.

•

During rainy seasons the run-off water from the areas surrounding
the mines may carry with it a large doze of suspended solids into the nearby water
bodies.

Impacts of underground mining
Like opencast mining underground mining of minerals also affects the water regime.
However, if necessary, the surface water bodies can be protected by controlling the
subsidence movements. The impacts depend on the magnitude of the subsidence movements.
The impacts are invariably more severe when underground extraction is done with caving.
The impacts are briefly outlined hereunder.
•

If the subsidence movements on the surface are more than the safe
limits for the surface water bodies it becomes necessary to remove/drain them.

•

Due to underground mining the overlying underground water
bodies are disturbed and water from them finds way to the underground workings
from where it is pumped out. The disturbances to the underground water bodies
reduce the availability of water not only in the mining area but also in the
neighboring areas.

•

With the development of the cracks up to the surface water from the
surface specially during rains finds way to the underground workings through the
cracks. This water may carry with it various pollutants from the surface.
11


•

The underground mine workings not in use may become
waterlogged. The caved and stowed goaves also store a sizable quantity of water.
These water bodies are sometimes very useful.

•

The polluted underground water when pumped out and discharged
on the surface may pollute the surface water bodies.

Impacts of mineral preparation
•

The effluents from the mineral preparation plants when discharged
into the surface water bodies, pollute their water.

•

The effluents when discharged on the surface pollute the top soil
and sub soils and also the water table.

Impacts of other activities
•

Domestic, agricultural and industrial effluents when discharged into
the surface water bodies cause water pollution.

•

The effluents when discharged on the surface pollute the soils and
the water table water.

•

Decaying of domestic and industrial solid wastes and use of open
spaces for natural calls by the human beings also cause pollution of water in the
surface water bodies and water table.

It is evident from the above that the mining and associated activities not only pollute the water
in the surface and sub-surface water bodies but also tend to reduce the availability of water
from the various sources in the complexes. Therefore it is necessary to plan the mining and
associated activities in such a manner that their impacts on the water regime are minimum

possible. In order to do such a planning comprehensive knowledge of the water regime is
essential.
In case of the opencast mining damage to the sub-surface and underground water bodies is
unavoidable as there are cut across during mining. However, removal of surface water bodies
can be minimized by suitably planning the layout of the mining activities. It is also necessary
to plan the layout for the minimum possible alterations in the surface drainage pattern. Such a
planning is possible with the help of three dimensional modeling.
Damage to the underground and sub-surface water bodies is also unavoidable in underground
mining specially with caving. However, with proper planning of the underground workings
the impacts on the surface water bodies and also on the surface drainage pattern can be
minimized.
In both the underground and opencast mining the water management needs development of
suitable water bodies so that in the post mining times the availability of water can be ensured
for various purposes. In the opencast mining surface as well as underground water bodies can
be planned with reclamation, while in the underground mining areas underground water
bodies can be developed at the time of decommissioning and closure of the mines.
12


Pollution
Chemicals like mercury, cyanide, sulfuric acid, arsenic and methyl mercury are used in
various stages of mining. Most of the chemicals are released into nearby water bodies, and are
responsible for water pollution. In spite of tailings (pipes) being used to dispose these
chemicals into the water bodies, possibilities of leakage are always there. When the leaked
chemicals slowly percolate through the layers of the earth, they reach the groundwater and
pollute it. Surface run-off of just soil and rock debris, although non-toxic, can be harmful for
vegetation of the surrounding areas.
Loss of Aquatic Life
Release of toxic chemicals into the water is obviously harmful for the flora and fauna of the
water bodies. Besides the pollution, mining processes require water from nearby water

sources. For example, water is used to wash impurities from the coal. The result is that the
water content of the river or lake from which water is being used gets reduced. Organisms in
these water bodies do not have enough water for their survival.
River dredging is a method adopted in case of gold mining. In this method, gravel and mud is
suctioned from a particular area of the river. After the gold fragments are filtered out, the
remaining mud and gravel is released back into the river, although, at a location different from
where they had been taken. This disrupts the natural flow of the river that may cause fish and
other organisms to die.
Previously buried metal sulfides are exposed during mining activities. When they come in
contact with the atmospheric oxygen, they get converted into strong sulfuric acid and metal
oxides. Such compounds get mixed up in the local waterways and contaminate local rivers
with heavy metals.
Spread of diseases
Sometimes the liquid waste that is generated after the metals or minerals have been extracted
is disposed in a mining pit. As the pit gets filled up by the mine tailings, they become a
stagnant pool of water. This becomes the breeding ground for water-borne diseases causing
insects and organisms like mosquitoes to flourish.
5.2.2.3. Impacts on atmosphere including noise pollution
The mining and associated activities in the mining complexes not only pollute the air but also
cause noise pollution.
Impacts of opencast mining
•

Removal of vegetation from the area designated for mining and
other purposes produces dust which when air-borne causes an increase in the
concentration of SPM in the surrounding air.

•

Removal, handling, transportation and storage of soils also causes

an increase in the concentration of SPM in the atmosphere. The use of diesel
equipment in these activities causes an increase in the level of NOx.
13


•

Drilling and blasting of overburden and the mineral contribute SPM
and explosive fumes into the atmosphere.

•

In-pit crushing, loading and transportation of the mineral and the
overburden rock mass and making the dumps contribute SPM and NOx.

•

Minerals and rock mass having sulfur and its compounds may
contribute SO2.

•

Making of the overburden dumps and the use of diesel equipment
for this purpose contribute SPM and NOx.

•

Some of the sedimentary rocks may have CH4 and when mined they
may contribute this gas to the surrounding air.

•

Fires in opencast mines contribute heat, SPM, SO2, CO2 and CO.

•

Use of petrol vehicles in the mines contributes hydrocarbons and

•

lead.
The equipment used in the opencast mines for various purposes
including the transport of the overburden and mineral generate continuous noise,
while blasting produces impulsive noise. All the noise generated in the mine does
not become ambient nose as the noise generated from the different sources gets
reflected and refracted and ultimately the resultant of all the noises after reflection
and refraction reaches the surface to become the ambient noise.

Impacts of underground mining
•

The exhaust air from the underground mines contributes SPM, CO 2,
CH4, NOx, SO2, and other pollutants.

•

The surface activities in the underground mining areas, e.g., diesel
generating stations, boilers, etc. contribute SPM, NOx, and CO2.

•

The machines and equipment installed at the shafts, inclines,
compressor houses, workshops, etc. generate noise, which tends to become ambient
noise as it is generated on the surface.

Impacts of mineral preparation activities
•

Mineral handling, mineral preparation and associated activities
mainly contribute SPM to the atmosphere. In the mineral preparation plants having
chemical processes producing gases the atmosphere may get polluted due to emission
of the gases.
•
The crushers, conveyors and other equipment installed in the
mineral handling and preparation plants produce continuous noise.
Impacts of other activities
14


•

Domestic burning of coal and other fuels, and open burning of coal
produce SPM and CO2 and contribute them to the atmosphere.

•

The transport network using diesel and petrol vehicles and
generation of power by DG sets, and other activities in the mining complexes
contribute SPM, NOx, CO2, CO and other atmospheric pollutants.

•
•
•
•
•
•

Smoking contributes SPM and CO2.
Industrial activities depending upon their processes, inputs and
outputs contribute various air pollutants.
Paddy cultivation contributes CH4.
Use of pesticides, insecticides and other chemicals for spraying and
in agricultural and horticultural activities may contribute air borne chemicals.
The constructional activities contribute SPM to the atmosphere.
Domestic activities, playing of music and loud speakers, plying of
vehicles on the roads, DG sets, etc. produce noise which becomes ambient noise.

It is noted from the above mentioned impacts of the different activities on the atmosphere that
the mining and associated activities not only contribute to the ambient air pollution but also to
the ambient noise situation. Atmospheric pollution due to the mining and associated activities
can be minimized by planning the activities in such a manner that the generation of the
pollutants is minimum possible. In addition provisions may be made for arresting the dust by
making suitable green belts.
•

Generation of dust in the removal of the vegetation and soils can be
minimized by maintaining adequate moisture in the soil. This can also be expected
to improve the efficiency of these operations as in dusty atmosphere the efficiency
decreases.

•

Use of dust extractors with the drill machines can be expected to
minimize air pollution due to drilling.

•

By optimizing the blast design the generation of dust due to
blasting can be reduced.

•

Proper maintenance of the haul roads can minimize the generation
of air borne dust due to movement of dumpers on them.

•
•

Water spraying at the transfer points tends to reduce air pollution.
Enclosing the mineral handling and preparation units tend to reduce
the contribution of SPM to the atmosphere.

15


•

Proper maintenance of the equipment and machines in the mines
and other places in the complexes helps not only in minimizing the contributions to
the air pollution but also the noise generation.

•

In the residential locations playing of the loud speakers specially
after 9.00 pm should be avoided to minimize the noise levels.

•

The locations of the residential locations should be planned such
that they are on the up wind side of the mines and plants so that for most of times the
atmospheric pollutants are taken away rather than being brought towards these
locations.

•

Green belts of adequate widths, say 25 -50 m, may be planned
between the residential areas and the mines not only to attenuate noise but also to
arrest dust.

5.2.3. Environmental impacts of mining/quarrying at Ba Vi
As points of view from scientists, mineral resources of Ba Vi are diversified but low capacity
and it is not enough for exploitation at industrial scale (Can, et al., 2000). Despite that fact,
exploitation at small scale is occurring continuously in Ba Vi and its surrounding areas.
(Uyen, 2011).
There are plenty of minerals as gold, copper, asbestos, limestone, kaolin, pyrite, etc. but they
are not concentrated in a large ore but scattered. Hence, small scale exploitation happen in
national park and its surrounding is from unorganized activities of local people (Can, et al.,
2000). Multi-metal sulphide copper ores are found at code 260 of Ba Vi National Park. Nonmetallic minerals, mainly asbestos, is distributed in Quyt village, next to mount Da De.
Asbestos mine in the Quyt village of Yen Bai commune has been mined from 3-4 years ago.
It was completely exploited and it left back a mess of deep holes with waste soil mixed up

with dispose of asbestos particles. District Department of Natural Resources and Environment
said that management responsibility is of Committee of Yen Bai commune. There was no
environmental restoration action from the exploiting enterprise while asbestos is a banned
mineral material (Hoe, et al., 2011). At Minh Quang, Yen Bai communes, pyrite and asbestos
mines are indiscriminate exploited, carved deep into the earth, the land fell into the state of
abandoned in decade without environmental restoration. Wastewater is contaminated with
iron and sulfuric acid and may contain heavy metals arsenic (carcinogens) turns red as blood.
It follows the stream into the river, and leaches into groundwater. Minh Quang pyrite mine
was abandoned nearly a dozen years and soils, waste ore still lying exposed on the surface
topography. Water drips from the mine have very low pH (2-3) and can contain the element of
arsenic in the iron lattice of pyrite (Can, et al., 2000, Hoe, et al., 2011). In the old mine areas,
no trees can grow and it creates a serious impact on the landscape and directly affects the
health of local people.

16


Fig. 5.1: Pictures of abandon mine points: asbestos in Quyt village (left) and pyrite Minh
Quang (right)
Photo courtesy of N.V. Duc on Apr. 2013
Facing this problem, the scientists expressed concern about the "disregard" for environmental
protection measures for the National Park. By far, there is no plan to reduce pollution as well
as restore the environment in post-mining period proposed by local authorities. Meanwhile,
mining activity has continued to occur in these areas, accompanied by loss of land and loss of
forest and soil deposition due to waste soil and stone. Since there is not statistics data,
however it is obvious that lots of gardening land of households in Quyt village was due to this
asbestos exploitation and land in stream branches was lost caused of pyrite exploitation (Lien,
2012). In addition, a number of projects under construction around the park also seriously
effect the environment of the region such as the Middle Temple restoration project, Vien
Pagoda (situated right on the zoning code of 350 in ecological restoration of the core Ba Vi

National Park) and the motor vehicle road to the temple which was approved by Hanoi
People's Committee in May 9, 2011. As far, Tan Vien temple and car park was completed, the
road was also broken through and bridges, drainage and erosion control works are being
completed. According to scientists, the construction works are located on the western slopes
of Mount Ba Vi, geodynamics on a slope along an active fault upon. This is a landslide hazard
zones with very high energy. The frequent reinforcement of the road will make the area more
extended, artificial landscape on the road diverges from the natural landscape of the park.
5.2.4. Case study 1: Stone mining at Chẹ
5.2.4.1. Background
Mount Da Che, also known as Hon Che, located at the border between Khanh Thuong
commune, Ba Vi district (Hanoi) and a commune of Hoa Binh province. Mount Da Che is a
beautiful landscape of the country. The mount vertically scans down the Da River, in the
region bordering 3 provinces - in Hanoi, Hoa Binh and Phu Tho. A Vietnam Muong Cultural
Space and deep spiritual domain here has become famous. It is also an indispensable part to
prevent floodwater that "revenge five years, ever jealous" for Ba Vi mountain ranges and
large residential areas. As “honored” by a variety of books, ancient legends of peoples from
the story of Son Tinh - Thuy Tinh, that Son Tinh was standing on Mount Ba Vi and threw out
mount Che to Da river center to kill all monster species, to block water for civilians rescuing,
and to protect Princess Ngoc Hoa. Deadly Da river has creates a lot of deaths in its
surrounding areas, but when it meets mount Che, water flow is changed and the entire
downstream area is protected.

17


Fig. 5.2: The legend of Son Tinh - Thuy Tinh fight
Source: Extracted from
In ancient Muong language of Vietnam, "Che" means "Stop". The high mountains attract
many birds, mountain goats, monkeys climbing to the apes. It is also covered by large trees.
Underground cave across the mount to Da river. The government has had plan to reserve and

promote the heritage values of the geology, geomorphology, cultural and spiritual of the site
since last century. However, until now it is covered by quarrying labors and put in a miserable
status.

Fig. 5.3: Mount Che with a view point from Khanh Thuong commune People’s Committee
Photo courtesy of N.V. Duc on 03 Apr. 2013
As a big mountain facing the river, there are so many interesting natural phenomenons in this
mount. Monkeys can go from mount to mount through trunk as they go... footbridges. Wild
18


mountain goat stand crowd on the gray stone. The mount is also a famous for starling birds
players. Especially the shrimp cave, shrimp lake. The underground river connects to Da river
so when river water level rises, lakes are full of shrimp even at the dry season. Da Giang
shrimp abound drag on, because of warm water of limestone with many burrows. So they
named the residential areas at mount Che bottom is shrimp village. In the 1980s, the foothills
residents still have to battle with wild monkeys breaking crops.
Mount Che is also well known by many elegant cause of its famous Ham Rong (Dragon)
Mount. Dragon is the mascot entered the Vietnamese thinking in every region and every
generation, so we can have Ham Rong in many places. Ba Vi mountain with a height of just
over 1,200 meters over sea level, the mountain is not high, but it has the residence of Tan
Vien Son holy reign so it is considered as the original mount of the entire Southern sky. Ham
Rong of mount Che was prepared by the Government proposal dossier recognized as national
landscape.
When the water level goes down, the stone looks like a dragon jaw with dragon forehead and
also dragon teeth. Da river flow comes here, butting to Ham Rong, rushing rapids roll. Only
very strong rowers dare to pass. People always have to bow hello to Ham Rong bridge while
travelling through the flow to ask for peace.
After the war - in 1956 – a quarrying enterprise was established in mount Che to get stone for
construction of irrigation channels, railroads, motor roads in many places. At its peak time,

thousands of people came for quarrying. A few decades later, the mount is standing still
temples are still sanctuary, apes and monkeys are still dancing, shrimp lake are still blue.
Because the mountain is too large, human works is such as sand in the sea. Mount Che lovers
began to worry seeing white pieces in the sky where people blasting day and night. Then they
hire a professional to photograph to capture the picture of their home landscape to hang in
their houses for remembering.

Fig. 5.4: Temple established for people who died of destroying the spiritual site of mount Che
Source: Extracted from />19


5.2.4.2. Environmental effects of stone mining activities at Chẹ
After nearly four decades of operation, mining enterprise of mount Che dissolved in around
1990 and the mount was remained standing still at that time. The reason is that as before, it
was only craft exploited to serve the urgent needs of the country works. Later, more complex,
cooperatives, companies, large units sought "torn" mountain tea with incredible speed. They
buy all kinds of fuse and explosive material and freely down the mountain, despite the
knowledge and mountain blasting process. Accidents happened in a row, many people die
tragically. At its peak, there are 4 quarrying enterprises in mount Che area, including Song Da
Cement Joint Stock Company, Ba Vi Quarrying company, Binh Minh Construction and
Tourism company, and Tien Phong quarrying Cooperatives. Limestone mining began here in
12/1994. Previously, mount Che is the home for many rare animals and plants but since the
mine exploded, they had to find shelter elsewhere, natural landscapes are seriously violated.
Currently, rocky mountain ranges have been exploited to exhaustion which created a wrath
for local people. The concerned problem for authorities and community is the speed of free
extraction forces takes place very quickly with rudimentary technology, labor safety
extremely low. In the last few years, the mountain was exploited with “production” equals to
by other firms over several decades. Local people benefit almost nothing while they have to
bear all the consequences of landmine explosions, dust, smoke, crack houses, and broken
roads. Environmental fee is still a question that a number of managers and communities are

wondering.
One of the most popular products to be exploited in mount Che is limestone. Limestone,
composed mostly of calcium carbonate, is used primarily to produce Portland cement for the
building industry. Other products that use limestone include breakfast cereal, paint, calcium
supplements, antacid tablets, paper and white roofing materials. Limestone is a karst-forming
rock, which produce landforms that are formed by dissolution, and represents about 10
percent of the world's land surface. But limestone cannot be mined without impacting the
environment. Potential environmental effects could be listed:
Groundwater
Groundwater quality can be affected by quarrying limestone by increasing sediment and
accidental spills directly into the aquifers. These contaminants can also include material like
oil and gas from mining equipment. Because contaminants in ground water move faster
through limestone than other types of rocks, quarries in karst areas must be especially careful.
Quarrying also removes the entire subcutaneous zone, an important ground-water storage
area. Pumping water out of underground mines changes the direction and the amount of
groundwater flow. When the operation of a quarry or mine ends, the direct impacts on
groundwater quality may decreased but the long-term contamination can persist.
Subsidence
Limestone is often mined from a quarry. However, underground limestone mines can be
found in the ground surface near mining area. In humid climates, limestone dissolves quickly
and is carried away by water. This creates caves which can become weak and collapse.
Underground mining of limestone can cause a cascading environmental impact. Mining in the
karst can lower the water table, which removes the support of rock that overlies water-filled
caverns, which can create sinkholes.

20


Habitat destruction
The biodiversity of karst ecosystems means some species are restricted to single-cave

ecosystems. As rock is removed by quarrying, any cave passages - and the habitat it provides
- are destroyed. Animals that inhabit these areas that are mobile will be able to find new
habitats to survive. Those species that have adapted to such deep cave zones will simply
perish.
Dust
Dust is one of the most visible impacts associated with limestone quarrying due to the
drilling, crushing and screening of the rock. The mine site conditions can affect the impact of
dust generated during extraction, including rock properties, moisture, ambient air currents and
prevailing winds, and the proximity to population centers. Fugitive dust can escape from
trucks traveling on excavation haul roads and from blasting. This airborne dust can travel long
distances from a mining site and affect urban and rural residential areas downwind.

Fig. 5.5: Picture of abandon post – mining landscape in mount Che
Photo courtesy of N.V. Duc on Apr. 2013
All of the interviewees, including local authorities, labors, and local people, have pointed out
that mining in mount Che left many adverse consequences. The number of deaths due to
accidents and mysterious reasons kept increasing. In decades, the enterprise had to climb, roll,
carrying each rock into the boat or truck very hard, and they did not dare to break a "grave
site" sacred. But then, because of their profit and “quixotry”, To Hong Thong and Nguyen
Thong Nhat in Tom village used mine to destroy Ham Rong tip. They simply thought it is
near and they can easily have a few stone lighters. After the "hit" with abortion Ham Rong, he
also went to the mountain temple of god to apologize local brothel. However, shortly after he
was crushed by a large stone with incomplete death found. It is very strange that the person
who is responsible for his death was Nguyen Thong Nhat who accompanied with him in the
Ham Rong destroy. Yet, shortly after, also in that area, Nhat also picked up the cliff falls from
heights, imperfection is found dead. People started talking a lot about that unimaginable story.
After that, in the neighboring village, sudden death happened to many youths as well as many
other accident related to quarrying activities.
Questions
1. Investigate environmental problems happening in limestone exploitation point in

mount Che.
21


2. Who is responsible for environmental problems in limestone exploitation point in
mount Che?
3. What is the cause for mount Che conflict between Ha Noi and Hoa Binh at the time
being?
4. Investigate natural resources tax and environmental fee related to limestone
quaryying activities in mount Che.
5.2.5. Case study 2: Pyrite mining at Minh Quang
5.2.5.1. Background
Minh Quang pyrite mine has 7 parts in which the I, II parts are more valuable. The main part
develops steadily with a length of 1,000m and wide of 2-3 m but the components are unstable.
The mine body is in the form of Vien Nam volcanic rock formations 800-2600 m long, 40-70
m wide, and 9.3 m thick sometimes. The mine has narrow pyrite ore, in addition to sphalerite,
galena, chalcopyrite. Reserves of the mine is estimated at 400,000 tons per year and
exploitation production of around 20,000 tons (Can, et al., 2000, Tri, et al., 2000).

Fig. 5.6: Minh Quang pyrite mine
Photo courtesy of N.V. Duc on Apr. 2013
Most pyrite grains architecture itself due to its large crystalline form with particle size from
0.5 to several centimeters, but the crystals are often cracked and filled with later mineral
formations. Relatively large pyrite could be seen by naked eyes. Pyrite includes many
different generations:
22


- Generation 1: Pyrite grains are usually small, high self-image, scattered in the ore
and are mainly distributed in propylitize regions. This generation is formed by pyrite

hydrothermal alteration before the main mineralization stage, located on the
background of chalcopyrite and bornit (Lung Cua).
- Generation 2: Includes free set of large crystals, crushed to broken up, often be filled
by the later stages minerals.
- Generation 3: Characterized by microcrystalline pyrite particles, normally be
corroded by such minerals like sphalerite, galena or corrode.
According to results of microsond analysis, the chemical composition of pyrite in the Minh
Quang mine is: Fe = 46.54%, S = 53.27% (total 99.81%) (Nhan and ha, 2005).

Table 5.1: Lists the activities in mining/quarrying and the impact of it to the environment
ACTIVITY

POSITIVE
MEASURABLE NEGATIVE
MEASURABLE
IMPACT
PARAMETERS IMPACTS
PARAMETERS
Clearance of
- creation of
- people in
- destruction of - area cleared in
the overburden
employment
employment
vegetation
km2
- provide raw
- products in
- destruction of - depletion in

materials for
running feet or
fauna habitats
number of plant
the
tons
- loss of scenery and animal
construction
- amount of
- enhancement
species
industries
money earned
of soil erosion
- encourage
- improvement
cottage
of Lifestyles.
industries
- generate
income
- earn revenue
for the
government
Drilling
- creation of
- number of
- generation of - percentage of
Employment
people

dust
particulates in
employed
- generation of
the air
noise
- noise levels,
hearing
protection is
required
Blasting
- creation of
- number of
- ground
- amplitude and
employment
people
vibrations
frequency using
employed
flyrock
seismographs
- generation of
- number of
dust
damaged
- generation of
structures
noise
- number of

23


- surface land
disruption
- explosive
- fumes (gases)

-

-

Splitting

- creation of
employment

- number of
people
employed

- flying stones
pieces

-

-

Stone
Dressing

- creation of
employment

- number of
people
employed

- generation of
dust

-

structural
cracks
developed
number of
pieces
of stones
thrown
out
area in km2
percentage of
particulates in
the air
noise levels,
hearing
protection
is required
number of

people and
structures
damaged
percentage of
particulates in
the air
noise levels,
hearing
protection
is required
percentage of
particulates in
the air
noise levels,
hearing
protection
is required

Table 5.2: Mining/quarrying processes and their impact on the environment
Impact
Destruction of flora
Destruction of fauna habitats

Degree of Significant
Major
Major

Surface land disruption
Ground vibrations

Major
Major

Fly rock
Noise pollution

Minor
Moderate

Mitigation Measures
Re-vegetation
Provision of animal
diversity that will contribute
to a stable and compatible
ecosystem.
Rehabilitation
Discontinue the use of
explosives or use of proper
designs.
Use of proper blast design
Discontinue the use of
explosives.
24


Generation of dust

Moderate

Loss of scenery ( abandoned

excavation)

Major

Provide workers with filter
masks and respirators and
use proper blasts designs
Creation of landforms which
are compatible with the
adjacent landscape

5.2.5.2. Environmental effects of quarrying activities at Minh Quang pyrite mine
Even Minh Quang pyrite mine is stop to exploit, pyrite layers could still be found on mine
walls. The crystalline pyrite cubes with white gold scattered on the stone. There are thick
coats of yellow sulfur on the cliffs. Stream water turns red-brown when passing through the
ore layer. In fact, right next to the park Ba Vi, Minh Quang pyrite mine was abandoned nearly
a dozen years but soils and waste ore are still lying exposed on the surface topography. As
investigated by scientists, this wastewater has color of blood red due to its rich of iron and
sulfuric acid. Water drips from the mine have very low pH (about 2-3) (Can, et al., 2000, Tri,
et al., 2000, Ngoc, 2011) and may contain arsenic which is the form element with iron in the
network crystals of pyrite. No trees could grow in the old mine areas, except for some
scattered trees which are very flammable during the dry season. Mine wastewater flow into
the river stream, and seep into the groundwater basin.
The mining, milling and metallur gical proce sses for the pro duction of copper, iron and
sulphuric acid from sulphide ore deposits generate large hills of sulphide bearing waste rocks
(also known as red mud) with signi ficant concentra tions of heavy metals. Natural weathering
of sulphides containing heavy metals causes the release to the environment of a small fraction
of these metals (Zhi, et al., 2002). The mobilisation of heavy metals present in redmud is
unfortunately improved by acid mine drainage (AMD) that is typical of this kind of mining
sites. AMD is a chemical phenomenon due to the sulphur o idation of metl-sulphide minerals

(such as pyrite) by atmospheric oxygen and due to the following oxidation and precipitation
of iron according to the global reaction (Lowson, 1982):
FeS2 + 15/4 O2 + 7/2 H2O ⇔ 5 Fe(OH)3 + 2 SO4 2- + 4 H+
The release of H+ and SO42- ions into soil solution generates a powerful leaching agent causing
the secondary release of heavy metals generally present in tailings.

Fig. 5.7: Leaching wastewater from Minh Quang pyrite mine
Photo courtesy of N.V. Duc on Apr. 2013
25