STUDY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE EXPLOITATION OF RARE ELEMENTS

Abstract

The presented article is devoted to the investigation of changes in the environment caused by the exploitation of deposits of rare elements in different ways. As is known, significant changes occur in the environment during exploitation of mineral deposits. For instance, air pollution with various emissions, formation of depressions, and etc. It is necessary to implement complex measures to prevent such situations. Extraction of rare elements is a very important. These elements are applied in various fields of industry. The article provides general information about rare elements, the methods used in obtaining, and separating of rare elements are shown. The fields of application of rare and rare-earth elements are shown in more detail. The distribution of rare-earth elements in the earth’s crust and the amount of these elements produced by the countries of the world is shown. Environmental changes during the exploitation of deposits, and also the effects of these elements on the human body were investigated. The results are discussed at the end of the article. Issues such as implementation of intensive control of changes in the environment during exploitation of mineral deposits, application of machines and equipment that meet safety standards, and recultivation of disturbed lands were specially emphasized. In addition, the importance of neutralization of radioactive waste is noted. Keywords: environmental protection, rare elements, exploitation, rare-earth elements, minerals.