South-western Ecuador, one of the most biologically and culturally diverse areas on the planet, is under threat from open-cast copper and gold mining, and extensive oil exploration contracts that will destroy vast areas of old-growth rainforest and displace entire groups of indigenous people.
OPEN-PIT MINING
It usually involves the creation of a pit that extends below the groundwater table.
Heavy Metal Contamination & Leaching
Heavy metal leaching is particularly accelerated in the low pH conditions.
Acid Mine Drainage
AMD severely degrades water quality, and can kill aquatic life and make water virtually unusable.
Waste from
the Processes of Mining
Open-pit mining involves the excavation of large quantities of waste rock in order to extract the desired mineral ore.
This list of definitions for terms related with the mining activities makes it easier for you to understand the content of this website.
VisualCapitalist.com put togheter an easy to understand article about the history and uses, the demand and supply of copper.