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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The unseen side of Graphite mining

Graphite is a major export of Sri Lanka and is mined at two places in the country namely, Kahatagaha and Bogala. Sri Lanka is the only country in the world where crystalline graphite or lump(vein) graphite is mined underground. The graphite such mined is also of very high quality and is very pure-99%pure C.

Graphite -image from Wikipedia


In a very brief report I wrote about the graphite mining practices in Sri Lanka, based on an investigation carried out at the Graphite mine in Kahataga, I concluded that no overall damage to the environment was done. This was because graphite being a natural product and is essentially pure carbon which is not a toxic substance, it cannot do any harm to the environment. However further research and more thought put into the matter shows that I couldn't have been more further from the truth. Graphite mining, just like any other mining has a considerable impact on the environment and can lead to catastrophic result if preventive measures are not implemented.

Mining graphite involves the use of explosives to crack open the rock joints and to expose the graphite. The amount of explosives used in this process is often more than what actually is required and therefore ends up creating damage to unintended areas as well. this process also result in the release of dust and very fine particles of Carbon into the atmosphere causing air pollution. This can lead to the deterioration of   the health of workers and people living in the vicinity.

Mining graphite is followed by the processing at the site itself. This processing of Graphite also has a negative impact on the environment of its own. In addition to releasing a larger amount of fine graphite particles into the atmosphere the graphite powder spillages can cause soil contamination and cause harmful effects to flora and fauna.

The underground mining process has a separate set of impacts. The emptying of fissures in the rock and the separation of rock joints can cause water to seep through them and eventually lead to landslides that can destroy the whole area. Furthermore the structure of the dug mine can result in the alteration of water tables causing a heap of environmental impacts. Disturbing the natural water cycle and introducing contaminants can cause damage to both nature and humans. 

To avoid or minimize these harmful impacts, the mining will have to be done after thorough planning with thought given to the environment as well as economic benefits. After mining the land will have to restored to its previous state to bring back the balance. Care should be taken regarding the the chemicals and explosives used in the process and also the wastes generated and discharged. By adopting these practices and through implantation of concepts like cleaner production Graphite mining can be made more environmentally friendly.

4 comments:

  1. Thank you so much! I'm writing from Nome, Alaska, where there is talk of developing North America's largest graphite mine in a remote and pristine environment that the local Inuit people rely on for salmon, reindeer, moose, seals, berries and wild greens. We are trying to research what needs to be done to prevent damage to these resources if the projects goes forth. Yours is the first article discussing the mining of graphite I've looked at, and I'm grateful for your observations.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment. It has been a while since I wrote this article. Quite Recently, China faced some serious problems due to Graphite pollution. This article gives details,
      https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/business/batteries/graphite-mining-pollution-in-china/
      Minimizing pollution from graphite mining will need proper ventilation with air filtration systems, waste water treatment and proper chemical disposal, as most damage happens during the processing stage. A proper environmental impact assessment for the project is a must. Hope this helps. Cheers.

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  2. Thank you so much, you helped me wage war on mechanical pencils!

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  3. I curious more interest in some of them hope you will give more information on this topics in your next articles. Mining Dispatch

    ReplyDelete