El medio ambiente en la minería

201 NICKCOPPIN - unstable ground due to the collapse of shallow unsupported workings; - deep, steep sided open pits and quarries, often with water; - buildings and surface structures in an advanced state of collapse. To deal with these inherited problems is expensive and technieally difficult. The need lO preserve the historical ¡nterest is an added challenge to the rec1amation engineer, who has to combine essential safety and decontamina– tion works with conservation of the site's historieal and biological assets and with the need 10 create usefulland that can be beneficially used. In studying these oId mines we have learnt a great deaI about the potential environmental impacts of mining, lessons which can be applied to modern mining operations. Many of the techniques used for rehabilitating present mining areas were developed initially on old abandoned mines. For example, the use of naturally evolved varieties of grasses, that are tolerant to toxic metals, or the revegetation ofmine dumps and tailings dams may not have been possible without the presence of oId mines. However, clearing up after mining is only one side of the story. We are also learning how to design mining operations in order to minimise their environ– mental impact in the first place. This involves understanding the relationship between the miningoperation and the environment, howboth ofthem behave, and how they can be managed in such a way that they are not exclusive ofeach other's interests. Finally, and in conclusion, we inherited a fairly elean environment from our forefathers, which we don't own but only hold in trust for our children. 1have worked for many years, and will continue lo work, lo ensure that my children not only conlinue to enjoy the benefits that the mining industry brings, but that they inherit a good environment, perhaps better tban tbe present, tbat will enable them to enjoy these benefits fully.