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How are diamonds mined? Is our environment paying a big price? What all is at stake through pollution? Are there any standards in place? As mature customers, who take well thought decisions; it will be heartening to know that diamond mining does not cause as much pollution as other mining industries. Measures are on to control the pollution that does take place, and through this article our team hopes to take the first step towards awareness and help customers purchase eco-friendly diamonds.
How are diamonds mined?
Diamonds are mined in various ways, which usually differ with the zone of mining. The first part of the process is usually exploration, whereby top soil is cleared through drilling and is sampled. Open pit mining uses Kimberlite pipes to extract diamonds. In coastal regions, coastal and alluvial mining is done whereby plant life, soil and sand need to be removed first. Sea walls need to be constructed in some cases. Large scale excavation is usually required here. Marine mining is undertaken in the seabed and seabed matter first needs to be removed to reach the diamonds. Besides the above methods, informal digging of diamonds is done by families, individuals and groups with simple equipment like sieves and pans.
What pollution can diamond mining cause?
The above methods of diamond mining can cause the following kinds of pollution:
Soil pollution: Mining involves removal of large quantities of soil. Land disturbances caused by removing the fertile top soil finally leads to soil pollution.
Air pollution: As electricity and hydrocarbons like diesel and petrol are used, carbon emissions are released into the air. Besides these greenhouse gases and other chemicals are also released into the air at various stages of mining. These together cause air pollution and lead to global warming.
Water pollution: The process of diamond mining utilizes water for extraction. In cases of marine mining dredging causes water pollution. Natural sources are under constant threat of pollution and in areas like Africa where water is scarce; the problem becomes an even more serious one.
Pollution of ecosystem: Mines exist in a range of ecosystems, and once mining is undertaken and top soil is removed, the deforestation causes flora and fauna of the region to be disturbed. The animal life is affected too and in regions where endangered species exist, the problem of sustaining them becomes a looming one.
Are there any standards in place to control pollution?
In today's modern times where diamond mining is a huge industry, standards have been put in place to control pollution. The ISO 14001 standards of environmental management are prevalently followed whereby industries are required to regularly publish reports on their environmental performance. Some industries also follow the Environmental Impact assessments and social impact assessments to study the environmental and social impacts and to understand gaps in the process.
What are the practices to control or minimize pollution?
As organizations become more environmentally conscious, industries first undertake complete review of the plans of mining and the environmental impact. Best methods that recover good degree of diamonds with minimal environmental impact are finally chosen. Pollution control measures are taken up in the following ways.
Pollution monitors/ efficiency programs: Various programs like the Energy Smart Program (by Ekati diamond mine) are in place to save fuel, increase energy efficiency and reduce gas emissions. Energy and carbon emission assessments have also been put in place to monitor air pollution.
Conserving ecosystem: Responsible miners ensure that once mining is done, the top soil is replaced, reseeded and animal life returned. In lieu of support, the diamond industry has set up various nature reserves with breeding programs to maintain endangered species like the antelope, white rhino etc. Rehabilitation of mining areas with plant life and animal life has also been done to a large extent.
Recycling: The formal diamond mining industry also undertakes various measures for upkeep of quality of air and water and reducing soil waste. This is done through increasing reuse and recycling measures. Proper disposal methods to control soil, water and air pollution are undertaken.
How can you help?
Even though mining is ecologically unfriendly, it is a necessary activity. Also the impact on the environment lasts for a short while only. While the formal diamond mining industry takes various measures to control pollution through recycling and rehabilitation, the unregulated diamond industry does not do so. When you purchase diamonds, make sure that they come from well known sources. This will not only ensure that you have a lovely diamond for a lifetime but also the satisfaction that you have done your part for the environment and people.
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