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As
an environmentally responsible organization, we understands that welfare
begins with us. It thus takes upon itself to spread the word on the diamond
mining industry and how it impacts the environment.
How are diamonds mined? Is
our environment paying a big price? What all is at stake through pollution? Are
there any standards in place? As mature customers, who take well thought
decisions; it will be heartening to know that diamond mining does not cause as
much pollution as other mining industries.
Measures are taken to control the
pollution that does take place, and through this article our team hopes to take
the first step towards awareness and help customers purchase eco-friendly
diamonds.
How are diamonds mined?
Diamonds are mined in various ways, which usually differ with the
zone of mining. The first part of the process is usually exploration, whereby
top soil is cleared through drilling and is sampled. Open pit mining uses
Kimberlite pipes to extract diamonds.
In coastal regions, coastal and alluvial
mining is done whereby plant life, soil and sand need to be removed first. Sea
walls need to be constructed in some cases. Large scale excavation is usually
required here. Marine mining is undertaken in the seabed and seabed matter
first needs to be removed to reach the diamonds. Besides the above methods,
informal digging of diamonds is done by families, individuals and groups with
simple equipment like sieves and pans.
Rough Diamonds
What pollution can diamond mining cause?
The above methods of diamond mining can cause the following kinds of
pollution:
Soil pollution:
Mining involves removal of large quantities of soil. Land
disturbances caused by removing the fertile top soil finally leads to soil
pollution.
Air pollution
As electricity and hydrocarbons like diesel and petrol are used,
carbon emissions are released into the air. Besides these greenhouse gases and
other chemicals are also released into the air at various stages of mining.
These together cause air pollution and lead to global warming.
Water pollution
The process of diamond mining utilizes water for extraction.
In cases of marine mining dredging causes water pollution. Natural sources are
under constant threat of pollution and in areas like Africa
where water is scarce; the problem becomes an even more serious one.
Pollution of ecosystem
Mines exist in a range of ecosystems, and once mining
is undertaken and top soil is removed, the deforestation causes flora and fauna
of the region to be disturbed. The animal life is affected too and in regions
where endangered species exist, the problem of sustaining them becomes a
looming one.
Are there any standards in place to control pollution?
In today's modern times where diamond mining is a huge industry,
standards have been put in place to control pollution. The ISO 14001 standards
of environmental management are prevalently followed whereby industries are
required to regularly publish reports on their environmental performance. Some
industries also follow the Environmental Impact assessments and social impact
assessments to study the environmental and social impacts and to understand
gaps in the process.
What are the practices to control or minimize pollution?
As organizations become more environmentally conscious, industries
first undertake complete review of the plans of mining and the environmental
impact. Best methods that recover good degree of diamonds with minimal
environmental impact are finally chosen. Pollution control measures are taken
up in the following ways.
Pollution monitors/efficiency programs
Various programs like the Energy Smart
Program (by Ekati diamond mine) are in place to save fuel, increase energy
efficiency and reduce gas emissions. Energy and carbon emission assessments
have also been put in place to monitor air pollution.
Conserving ecosystem
Responsible miners ensure that once mining is done, the
top soil is replaced, reseeded and animal life returned. In lieu of support,
the diamond industry has set up various nature reserves with breeding programs
to maintain endangered species like the antelope, white rhino etc.
Rehabilitation of mining areas with plant life and animal life has also been
done to a large extent.
Recycling
The formal diamond mining industry also undertakes various measures
for upkeep of quality of air and water and reducing soil waste. This is done
through increasing reuse and recycling measures. Proper disposal methods to
control soil, water and air pollution are undertaken.
How can you help the diamond industry?
Even though mining is ecologically unfriendly, it is a necessary
activity. Also the impact on the environment lasts for a short while only.
While the formal diamond mining industry takes various measures to control
pollution through recycling and rehabilitation, the unregulated diamond
industry does not do so. When you purchase diamonds, make sure that they come
from well known sources. This will not only ensure that you have a lovely
diamond for a lifetime but also the satisfaction that you have done your part
for the environment and people.
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