Research of the impact of open-pit mining on the land and water resources in Kryvbas

Abstract

Main effects of mining operations on the land and water resources while mineral mining are considered. Identify that intensive open-pit and underground development of mineral deposits has resulted in the disturbed natural environment, which, in turn, have changed geomorphological and hydrogeological structure of the region. Current stage of the disturbed land and water resources are determined in terms of Kryvyi Rih iron-ore basin. The analysis showed that аs a result of mining and technical activities in Kryvbas, minimum 15-20 mln ha of land are disturbed, 59 % of this area is used for different mine workings, 38 % is covered with waste rock dumping or waste from mineral concentration, and 3 % is the sites of subsidence, caving, and other land surface disturbances due to underground mining. Thus, about 1 km3 of drainage water is extracted annually during mineral extraction. As a result, natural landscapes have been replaced by new technogenic objects, which, in turn, have changed geomorphological and hydrogeological structure of the region. Key technological objects of the largest enterprises of Kryvbas mining industry as well as their parameters are studied. Dynamics of the accumulation of emissions and discharges of the production wastes of Kryvyi Rih iron-ore basin enterprises as well as their location are shown. Identify that by means of gross discharge of the contaminating substances. On average, more than 235.62 thous. t/year enter the air with the dust. Also identify that the largest mining enterprises of Kryvyi Rih Region discharge on average 2296.8 thous. m3/year of the contaminated water. Certain measures are proposed to facilitate reduction of the impact due to open-pit mining on the indicated environmental components. They are aimed at involve implementation of resource-saving technologies along with reclamation of the technogenic objects. Keywords: mining operations, impact, technogenic object, waste dump, land resources, water resources.