3. Notes on the analysis and evaluation of environmental impacts

Contents - Previous - Next

3.1 Air / climate

The gas contents of air in underground mines is regulated in Germany by pertinent laws such as the mining ordinances (Bergbauverordnung) BVOSt and BVOE of the North Rhine-Westphalian mining inspectorate (Landesoberbergamt LOBA) and its pertinent and specific directives.

For methane (CH₄), the following limits apply to free airflow:

more than 0.3 % : tram shutdown
more than 0.5 % : recorded monitoring
more than 1.0 % : electrical equipment shutdown
more than 2.0 % : monitoring equipment shutdown

Gas extraction equipment is subject to measures in accordance with the relevant gas extraction directives.

Carbon monoxide (CO) in concentrations of 50 ppm and higher calls for special rescue, recovery and security measures according to a life-saving plan (Hauptstelle für das Grubenrettungswesen der Bergbau-Forschung GmbH, 1982).

Mines must be evacuated if the carbon dioxide (CO₂) level reaches 1.0 % or higher.

Nitrous gas levels of 300 ppm NOx, including 30 ppm NO₂, allow a maximum exposure time of 5 minutes. A level of 100 ppm NOx (including not more than 10 ppm NO₂) extends the maximum exposure time to 15 minutes per shift.

The oxygen content must amount to at least 19 %.

The hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) concentration must not exceed 20 ppm.

All gas measurements must be performed using calibrated commercial-type instruments.

The airflow velocity should amount to at least 0.1 m/s in large spaces and at least 1.0 m/s in fast-line sections. The air velocity in levels used for travel (tram levels) should not exceed 6.0 m/s.

Minimum air volumes amount to 6 m³/min per person, plus 3 - 6 m³/min per diesel horsepower for CO levels ranging from 0.06 % to 0.12 %.

Airflow velocities are measured with anemometers, and the airflow volumes are calculated by multiplying the velocity by the cross-sectional area.

The regulations governing gas contents, air volumes and airflow velocities differ from country to country (hard-coal mines in India, mines in Chile, the People's Republic of China, etc.).

3.2 Noise

Underground noise limits can be drawn up along the lines of rules issued by the North Rhine-Westphalian Mines Inspectorate (LOBA) in Dortmund.

The sound intensity level of noise generated by drills should not exceed 106 dB (A) at a distance of 1 m (LOBA Rundverfügung).

Transgression of a certain reference intensity calls for the use of ear protectors. The 1988 EC directive on noise in mining came into force in Germany in 1992. Noise measuring specifications have been developed by the Westphalian miners' union fund Westfälische Berggewerkschaftskasse in Bochum, and the appropriate measuring instruments are commercially available.

3.3 Dust

In the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Research Foundation (DFG - Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) publishes yearly dust emission limits/standards in the form of occupational exposure limits (MAK-Werte), technical exposure limits (TRK) and biological tolerance values for working materials (BAT). To the extent that the limit values in question are directly relevant to human health, the above or comparable guidelines, e.g., from the World Bank or other international organizations, should be adhered to.

The most important occupational exposure limit, or MAK-value, is that pertaining to fine silica dust, which amounts to 0.15 mg/m³. The corresponding value for siliceous fine dust is 4 mg/m³. In hard-coal mining, the limits for fine silica and siliceous dust presently (as of this writing) amount to 0.60 mg/m³ and 12 mg/m³, respectively, and were scheduled for reduction in 1992. Fine dust is referred to as siliceous if it contains more than 1 % quartz.

The maximum personal dust exposure, measured in mg/m³ x number of shifts worked in five years, shall not exceed 2500. All underground work is classified according to different dust-exposure categories.

Workers suffering from incipient pneumonoconiosis (or anthracosis) may not be exposed to more than 1500 (mg/m³ x number of shifts worked) in the span of five years. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the German land with the largest number of mines, the mining ordinance for hard-coal mines Bergbauverordnung für Steinkohlebergwerke, section 44 - 48, version dating from February 19, 1979) governs the measurements and interpretation.

Table 3 - Miscellaneous dust limits (MAK-values) with mining relevance

3.4 Water

The discharge of industrial process water and mining effluent is strictly regulated in Europe. The EC Council Directive 80/778 relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption, dated July 16, 1975, supplemented July 15, 1980, lists three water categories requiring less extensive (category A1) or more extensive (categories A2 and A3) treatment. The guideline values (G) and imperative values (I) for the third category are listed in the following table along with the threshold values (TV) and limit values (LV) stipulated by the North-Rhine Westphalian State Agency for Water and Waste (Landesamt für Wasser und Abfall Nordrhein-Westfalen) in the draft ordinance on potable water Trinkwasserverordnung (TVO) dated July 26, 1994, selected on the basis of relevance to deep-mine waters.

Table 4 - Potable water obtainment guidelines

3.5 Soil

Oversown dumps are rarely used for agricultural purposes. In the event that such a use is envisioned, the applicable heavy-metal tolerance values for soils are to be found in the guidelines and directives issued by the Darmstadt-based Verband Deutscher Landwirtschaftlicher Untersuchungs- und Forschungsanstalten (German association of agricultural research and analysis stations) and by the Biologische Bundesanstalt für Land- und Forstwirtschaft (Federal Biological Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry) in Berlin. It is generally necessary to determine the constituents of the dump and any leaching behavior that could impose limits on the available soil utilization options.

4. Interaction with other sectors

With regard to environmental consequences, underground mining is closely linked to a number of other sectors, including in particular:

– prospection and exploration of deposits in preparation for the actual underground extraction activities;
– processing of the raw materials to obtain marketable products, with such processing normally taking place in centralized plants situated directly at or near the mine;
– conversion into electricity in thermal power stations, many of which are located in the near vicinity of brown-coal mining operations;
– building construction and civil engineering as sectors pertinent to establishment of the requisite mining infrastructure and means of transportation to the market. (Mines tend to be found in isolated locations, accordingly intensive construction activities are required.);
– waste disposal, e.g., for thickener sludge, hydraulic oil, spent oil and the like, and problems concerning ultimate disposal;
– water management, since natural water is quantitatively and qualitatively altered by the discharge of mine water into surface waters or groundwater as well as by the extraction of water for use as process water;
– forestry as a bulk provider of timbering wood;
– and, finally, regional development, which consistently derives strong impetus from mining activities.

5. Summary assessment of environmental relevance

In sum, underground mining can be referred to as an activity with substantial impact on the environment. The consequences can be very detrimental to the environment, especially through the extraction of resources, alteration of the rock structure and groundwater regimen, pollution of the air, the effects of noise and dust, pollution of surface water and alteration and disruption of the landscape. Compared to surface mining, underground mining has modest surface area requirements, both for the winning of raw materials and for other industries. With the exception of leftover rubbish dumps, the area in question is only needed for as long as the deep mine remains in operation.

Among the most significant environmental effects of underground mining is its impact on the miners themselves, whose health and safety are quickly and seriously jeopardized, if the protective rules, regulations and measures are not systematically adhered to.

Finally, underground mining has social consequences, especially in connection with speculative forms of mining, e.g., for precious metals or gems.

Many environmental consequences can be moderated but not prevented. Extensive data is needed as a basis for assessing the environmental impacts and designing protective measures; the uncertainty levels are accordingly high. Even the preparatory activities (reconnaissance, prospection and exploration) necessitate good coordination between the relevant environmental impact assessments and their data requirements.

The stipulation, enforcement, monitoring and control of limit values and underground mining operations has, to a certain extent, evolved to exemplary levels. Direct application of limit-value enforcement and monitoring to other countries is only conditionally possible, since the basic prerequisites usually differ. Nevertheless, every attempt should be made to apply and meet standards designed to preclude detrimental effects on man and the environment. Probably the biggest problem from an environmental standpoint are the uncounted "informal" small-scale mining activities employing uncontrolled, inadequate, unsafe methods that also tend to be hazardous to the environment.

Proper and orderly mining operations require stringent supervision (routine measurements, data collection and monitored adherence to essential limit values). That, in turn, calls for competent executing agencies.

6. References

General Literature

Arndt, P., Luttig, G.W.: Mineral resources, extraction, environmental protection and land-use planning in the industrial and developing countries. Stuttgart 1987.

Bender, F. (Ed.), 1984: Geologie der Kohlenwasserstoffe, Hydrogeologie, Ingenieurgeologie, Angewandte Geowissenschaften in Raumplanung und Umweltschutz. - In: Angewandte Geowissenschaften III: 674 pages; Stuttgart (Enke).

Bundesberggesetz (B Berg G) - 2. Auflage, Glückauf-Verlag, Essen 1989.

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft: Maximale Arbeitsplatz-Konzentrationen und Biologische Arbeitsstofftoleranzwerte, Weinheim 1990.

Down, C. G.; Stocks, J.: Environmental Impact of Mining. Applied Science Publishers Ltd., London 1977.

EEC 85/337: Council Directive of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment - Off. J. no. L175, 05/07/85, p. 0040.

Environmental impact of iron ore mining and control. Jain N.C.J. Mines Metals Fuels, vol. 29, no. 7/8, July/Aug. 1981.

Environmental monitoring and control. Wld. Min. Equip., vol. 10, no. 5, May 1986.

Franke, H., Guntermann, J. und Paersch, M.: Kohle und Umwelt, Glückauf-Verlag, Essen, 1989.

Inter-American Development Bank - Environmental Checklist für Mining Projects.

Johnson, M.S., Mortimer A.M., comps.: Environmental aspects of metalliferous mining. A select bibliography. Letchworth, Herts.: Technical Communications, 1987.

Jones, S.G.: Environmental aspects of mining developments in Papua New Guinea. Prepr. Soc. Min. Engrs. AIME, no. 88 - 155, 1988.

Kelly, M.; assisted by Allison, W.J., Garman, A.R., Symon, C.J.: Mining and the freshwater environment. (Elsevier Applied Science)

Klima-Bergverordnung (Klima Berg V), Glückauf-Verlag, Essen 1983.

Lambert, C.M., comp.: Environmental impact assessment, a select list of references based on the DOE/DTp. London, Department of the Environment and Department of Transport Library, 1981.

Rawert, H.: Die Erschließung neuer Abbrauräume als landes- und regionalplanerisches Problem - das Beispiel Haard. In: Markscheidewesen 86 (1979), Nr. 2, p. 31 - 41.

Schmidt, G.: Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung bei Projekten des Bergbaus. Glückauf 125 (1989) Nr. 5/6.

Sengupta, M.: Mine Environmental Engineering, Volume I and II, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Florida, 1990.

Servicio Nacional de Geologia y mineria - Chile: Reglamento de Seguridad Minera. Decreto Supremo No. 72 of October 21, 1985, Ministerio de Mineria, 1988.

Solving environmental problems. World Min. Equip., vol. 9, no. 6, June 1985.

Stein, V.: Bergbau und Umwelt, Erzmetall 37, 1984 Nr. 1, p. 9 - 14.

United Nations Department of Technical Cooperation for Development (UNDTCD): Proceedings International Round Table for Mining and Environment, DSE Berlin, 1991.

World Health Organisation: Environmental pollution control in relation to development, report of a WHO Expert Committee. (World Health Organisation technical report series, no. 178). Geneva 1985.

Specialized Literature

Methane

Landesoberbergamt Dortmund: Rundverfügung 33-111.15/7455/64-17.2.65; Bergbauverordnung Steinkohle (BVOSt) § 158, § 150; Bergbauverordnung Erzbergwerke (BVOE), § 97; Sonderbewetterungsrichtlinien; Gebirgsschlagrichtlinien; Gasausbruchrichtlinien; Gasabsaugrichtlinien

Carbon Monoxide

Landesoberbergamt Dortmund: BVOSt § 150.

Plan für Grubenrettungswesen, Hauptstelle für das Grubenrettungswesen der Bergbau-Forschung GmbH, Essen, 1982.

Carbon Dioxide

Landesoberbergamt Dortmund: BVOSt, § 150.

Hydrogen Sulfide

Landesoberbergamt Dortmund: BVOSt, § 150.

Oxides of Nitrogen

Landesoberbergamt Dortmund: Sprengschadenrichtlinie.

Air Velocity

Landesoberbergamt Dortmund: BVOE, § 19; BVOSt, § 151; Sonderbewetterungsrichtlinien.

Airflow

Landesoberbergamt Dortmund: BVOSt, § 150.

Temperatures

Landesoberbergamt Dortmund: Klima-Bergverordnung, § 3.

Noise

Landesoberbergamt Dortmund: Maßnahmen für den Lärmschutz Kleinkaliber-Bohrgeräte (Bohrhammer, Drehbohrmaschinen), Rundverfügung 12.21.11-4-7 (SB1.A 2.4).

Westfälische Berggewerkschaftskassen, Bochum: Geräuschmeßvorschriften DIN 45, 365; 52 Gruben-Diesellokomotiven; 53 Dieselkatzen; 54 Gruben-Gleislos-Fahrzeuge; 55 Rangierkatzen.

Dust

Landesoberbergamt Dortmund: BVOSt, § 44 bis 48, mit Plan für die Staubmessungen an ortsfesten Meßstellen zur Feststellung und zur gravimetrischen Beurteilung der Feinstaubbelastung, MAK und BAT.

Water

Landesamt für Wasser und Abfall Nordrhein-Westfalen: Grundwasserbericht 84/85, Düsseldorf 10/85.

EEC 75/448: Council Directive of 16 June 1975 concerning the quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water in the Member States - Off J. no. L194, 25/07/75, p. 0026

EEC 80/778: Council Directive of 15 July 1980 relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption - Off. J. no. 2229, 30/08/80, p. 0011.

Dumps, Soil

Kloke, A.: Orientierungsdaten für tolerierbare Gesamtgehalte einiger Elemente in Kulturböden, Mitteilungen des Verbandes deutscher landwirtschaftlicher Untersuchungs- und Forschungsanstalten, Heft 1 - 3. Januar, Juni 1980.

Kloke, A.: Die Bedeutung von Richt- und Grenzwerten für Schwermetalle in Böden und Pflanzen, Mitteilungen der Biologischen Bundesanstalt für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Berlin-Dahlem, Heft 223, Oktober 1984.

Stein, V.: Anleitung zur Rekultivierung von Steinbrüchen und Gruben der Stein und Erden Industrie, Köln, Deutscher Institutsverlag, 1985.

Über die Schwermetallbelastung von Böden, Pflanzenschutzamt Berlin, 1985.

Clarifying Ponds

Davis, R.D.; Hucker, G.; L'Hermite, P.: Environmental Effects of Organic and Inorganic Contaminants in Sewage Sludge, Commission of the European Communities, 25./26.05.1982, Reidel D. Publishing Company Dordrecht, Boston, London.

Contents - Previous - Next