Sustainable Development with Minimal Environmental Degradation

摘要

The "Rio Declaration" at the world summit in Rio has brought in immense awareness about the environment, bio-diversity and ecological balance. This paper deals with certain challenges and opportunities in the mineral industry, highlighting the impacts of mining on the surrounding environment and ways and means of their mitigation. India accounts for 11% of the total industrial production from the mining sector, while it occupies less than 1% of the total land area in the country. In India the forerunner in the field of environmental protection in the mining industry, the "Kudremukh Iron Ore Company" has done a commendable job of protecting the environment, though confronted with very hostile weather conditions, with thunder-storms and incessant rains registering an annual pour of 6000-7000 mm. The paper provides an overview of the success story of KIOCL with its eco-friendly activities. Few case studies of Australian mines have been discussed with the 'Best Practice Environmental Management in Mining' laying due emphasis on environmental monitoring, rehabilitation, environmental management system, etc. These case studies also prove that co-existence of 'mining' and 'environment' is not far from reality.