Assessing the Real Risk of Mining Industry Environmental Impact. Case Study

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyse the real risk that mining operations pose to the environment, including all the main concerns related to the project's planned operations and their environmental impacts. In order to carry out an in-depth analysis of a practical case involving the real process of mineral extraction, we use the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Leopold matrix as a method of measurement. The subject of the investigation is the extraction of lithium from natural brine located in South America's so-called Lithium Triangle, in the geographical limits of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, where more than 80% of the world's lithium reserves are located. The case study showed that the elements of the environment most exposed to mining activities are the biosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere. The vast areas of the mining company are covered by sedimentary ponds with brine. Pumping the brine to the surface results in a loss of groundwater resources and, consequently, changes the water cycle in the catchment area. The habitats of aquatic and terrestrial fauna and flora are significantly changed or irretrievably damaged.