Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
13:11
Using Flexible Gold-Titanium Reaction Cells to Simulate Pressure-Dependent Microbial Activity in the Context of Subsurface Biomining
Published on: October 5, 2019
8.4K
Health hazards of mining
1Department of Occupational Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT, London, England.
Environmental Geochemistry and Health
|November 12, 2013
Summary
Mining poses significant accident and health risks. Addressing these requires hazard awareness and a commitment to worker welfare from all stakeholders.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Mining Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Mining operations present inherent dangers, including accidents and occupational illnesses.
- Health risks can be general to mining or specific to the mined materials.
- Miners may face lower risks than those handling products post-extraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the multifaceted dangers in mining.
- To emphasize the importance of understanding specific mining hazards.
- To underscore the shared responsibility in mitigating health risks.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on mining-related accidents and occupational diseases.
- Analysis of hazard types common and specific to mining.
- Examination of risk distribution across mining and processing stages.
Main Results:
- Mining activities are intrinsically linked to a high incidence of accidents and ill health.
- Specific materials mined contribute unique health hazards, sometimes posing greater risks to downstream users.
- A comprehensive understanding of hazards is crucial for effective risk management.
Conclusions:
- Effective mitigation of mining health problems hinges on thorough hazard knowledge.
- A collective concern for worker welfare among miners, management, and administrators is essential.
- Proactive safety measures and informed practices are key to improving mining health outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Acid Mine Drainage
123
Mining activities that disturb sulfide-rich rocks, particularly those containing pyrite (FeS₂), initiate a cascade of geochemical and microbiological processes with serious environmental implications. When exposed to air and water, pyrite undergoes oxidation, releasing sulfate, ultimately forming sulfuric acid and mobilizing heavy metals into surrounding water systems. This phenomenon, known as acid mine drainage (AMD), results in low pH waters laden with toxic elements that threaten...
123
01:36Types of Toxins
3.7K
Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
3.7K
01:27Microbial Leaching
238
Microbial leaching, also known as bioleaching, is an environmentally favorable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores using specific microorganisms. This biotechnological approach is particularly valuable for mining operations targeting copper, gold, and uranium, where traditional extraction methods may be economically or environmentally impractical.Copper Leaching and Microbial CatalysisIn copper bioleaching, crushed ore is arranged into heaps and irrigated with a dilute sulfuric...
238
01:27The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements
18.5K
Elements are the smallest units of matter that cannot be broken down further by chemical processes. There are 118 known elements, but not all of these are naturally occurring, and only a few of them are essential for life. Living matter is composed primarily of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, with smaller amounts of other elements like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. Other elements are also necessary for life but only in trace amounts.
Periodic Table Provides Information...
Periodic Table Provides Information...
18.5K
00:57The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements
161.6K
OverviewElements are the smallest units of matter that cannot be broken down further by chemical processes. There are 118 known elements, but not all of these are naturally-occurring, and fewer still are essential for life. Living matter is composed primarily of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, with smaller amounts of other elements like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. Other elements are also necessary for life but only in trace amounts.The Periodic Table Provides Information...
161.6K
01:26Minerals
1.7K
Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
Major...
Major...
1.7K