Coal Mining's effects on the Biogeochemical Cycles

Castillejos, Carl JeraldDarvin, Wayne

Moroña, KathrynGo, CristinaYoung, Joby

Adarme, LouieDizon, Audriene

I.

NATSCI13 | HFI11 (BS-IHM) | DLS-CSBProf. Jose Mari "Cujo" Balines Gonzales

OBJECTIVES: II.At the end of the presentation we will be able to find out:

1. How coal mining companies interrupt the Biogeochemical Cycles 2. How these interruptions affect living organisms3. A specific example and issue about a certain coal mining company

Introduction III.

Lately, coal mining is one of the vital sources of economic value. It might come as a surprise to many, but coal to some places like South Africa, is now more important to than gold. In 2013, coal contributed 51 billion to South Africa’s economy, compared with gold’s 31 billion. The coal mining industry is an important employer as well. The mining industry as a whole employed a total of 535 457 individuals at the end of June 2012. The coal mining industry was the third largest employer, employing 91 605 individuals. But what exactly are the effects it causes to our environment? 

This presentation is focused on the pros and cons of coal mining and the adverse effects it has on the various biogeochemical cycles.

Specific Issue:

The Coal Mining Industry of the Semirara Island

Nature of the Semirara Island IV.

Semirara Island is an island located in Caluya in the province of Antiques. It has an area of 55 square kilometres (21 sq mi), and is home to the Panian Mine, a vast open-pit coal mine in operation since 1999, and the Unong Mine (in production from 1984 to 2000).

Nature of the Coal Mining industry in Semirara V.

Semirara Mining Corporation is the largest coal producer in the country whose primary mine is in Semirara Island. The company accounts for 92 percent of the country's coal production according to the Department of Energy.

Coal is extracted from both surface and underground mines of the coal deposit in the Semirara island. Generally, economical method of coal extraction from coal seams depends on the depth and quality of the seams, and the geology and environmental factors

Coal Mining's effects on the Biogeochemical Cycles

The Biogeochemical Cycle Interruptions VI.

OXYGEN-CARBON CYCLE

Bad mining practices can ignite coal fires, which can burn for decades, release fly ash and smoke laden with greenhouse gasses and toxic chemicals. Furthermore mining releases coal mine methane, a greenhouse gas 20 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Coal dust inhalation causes black lung disease among miners and those who live nearby, and mine accidents kill thousands every year. Coal mining displaces whole communities, forced off their land by expanding mines, coal fires, subsidence and contaminated water supplies.

The Biogeochemical Cycle Interruptions VI.

SULFUR CYCLE

Acid mine drainage is another severe environmental problem that is commonly associated with coal and metal mining, and sometimes with construction activities such as road building. In all of these cases, physical disturbance results in the exposure of large quantities of mineral sulfides to atmospheric oxygen. This causes the sulfides to be oxidized to sulfate, a process accompanied by the generation of large amounts of acidity. Surface waters exposed to acid mine drainage can become severely acidified, to a pH less than 3, resulting in severe biological damages and environmental degradation.

The Biogeochemical Cycle Interruptions VI.

PHOSPHORUS CYCLE

Eutrophication is a large increase in the primary productivity of a lake. A human cause of artificial eutrophication is run off from mines. Mining in areas where rock is rich in phosphorus minerals can create dust that is blown by wind into nearby water systems. Similarly, rain-water can wash from mining areas to water bodies.

The Biogeochemical Cycle Interruptions VI.

NITROGEN CYCLE

Mining also influences the nitrogen cycle by dumping mining components and other types of substances like dirt from coal and other minerals into water-bodies. There is a great deal of environmental damage associated with these practices, including lowered dissolved oxygen levels associated with chemical contamination of the water bodies, and the presence of fecal pathogens and dirty components. The accidental contamination of waterbodies with large amounts of nitrogen contributes greatly to eutrophication.

The Semirara Coal Mining Issue VII.In 2015, petitions from their local farmers and residents , 6 national organizations and Catholic Diocese of antique , the community tried to dispute coal mining in their area to stop destruction to their biodiversity & livelihood. 

In fact the Semirara island of Caluya declared no expansion and end of all mining operations in the area.

Impacts raised by Coal Mining IX.

*Land, Water & Air Pollutions*Waste Management*Wildlife Threat*Chemical Emmisions*Greenhouse Gas Emissions*Radiation Exposure*Danger to Miners

Coal Mining Facts IX.

Did you know that...

*About 3.1 Billion of Tons of Coal has been mined this year and still counting........

*Coal provides 40% of the world’s electricity and it produces 39% of global Carbon Dioxide emissions

*Coal Mining produces Methane, a greenhouse gas that is 20x more powerful than Carbon Dioxide

Solve Coal Mining IX.

The environmental challenges from coal mining include coal mine accidents, land subsidence, damage to the water environment, mining waste disposal and air pollution. These are either

environmental pollution or landscape change. A conceptual framework for solving mine environmental issues is proposed:

Solution: All-in-one wireless systems that combine atmospheric monitoring with tracking and communication. Wireless antennas in the mine gather data from methane and CO sensors, along with readings from air-pressure and airflow monitors. Radio-frequency identification chips transmit the location of workers and equipment in real time, sending warnings above and below ground when miners enter contaminated air or move too close to machinery.

Solution: Ventstop, which resembles a heavy-duty balloon and inflates to create airtight seals in mine openings. Widely used in Australian coal mines, the temporary system redirects the flow of fresh air while workers move longwall equipment or construct permanent seals. It also helps control the underground atmosphere after mine evacuations or disasters. Ventstop is light, tough and inflates quickly.

Solution: A new headlamp for miners' helmets that allows for better vision of dangerous rock formations. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is developing the device, which has a central 12-volt LED high beam surrounded by a circle of lower-power bulbs. Researchers hope it will give miners stronger light and better depth perception to spot cracks that might indicate loose rock in dark, featureless rooms coated with gray rock dust.

Conclusion

Coal mining is one of the very foul ways on obtaining fossil fuels due the various side effects it causes to our environment

Coal mining affects the various biochemical cycles of out planet mainly by means of pollution

Coal mining in an endangerment not only to our environment, but to us humans as well.

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