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International authorities and specialists are concerned about a mine’s reactivation. Why? Because experts have examined this mine, which uses underground energy extensively, and they have warned about the potential consequences. Recent research indicates that, despite its apparent value as an energy source, it may pose a serious threat to the ecosystem. A possible disaster with major repercussions for ecosystems and human societies could result from the exploitation of the deposit in emerging nations. Because of this, specialists believe that this activity poses a global risk, and they have issued a scientific warning to halt or reconsider similar programs before it’s too late.
This appears to be in line with the long-standing belief that mining operations harm the ecosystem. Let’s examine the reasons why authorities and experts are concerned about a mine’s reactivation.
The controversy
The Kibali gold mine in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the subject of intense controversy regarding mining in developing nations. Although this mine is regarded as a cutting-edge and admirable example of the industry, its representation in a larger and more troublesome system makes it unfit to be reopened.
While it is true that mining produces riches, the social, economic, and environmental costs are typically greater than the short-term gains these operations are expected to produce.
Developing countries are the key for mining megaprojects
International mining companies have made it their mission to target nations with abundant natural resources but inadequate institutions in recent decades. This is occurring because their social, legal, and political frameworks are still developing yet their territories are rich in minerals like gold, copper, lithium, etc. Because they require the infrastructure, jobs, and money, these nations allow to foreign mining inversions under unequal terms.
Why is mining so problematic?
As an extractive operation, mining involves removing elements from the subsurface that took thousands or millions of years to develop. impacts not just how these resources are extracted from landscapes, but also:
- Fragile ecosystems.
- The way nearby communities live.
- Pollutes the air, water and soil.
- Destroys or changes water sources.
- Can move entire populations.
As previously said, developing nations will tolerate any activity that generates revenue, therefore the effects of extraction will be more severe and less regulated there.
3 reasons why mining isn t a model of development
The first factor is unfair agreements, where governments cede too much authority and advantages to foreign corporations under the strain of a fiscal crisis and a lack of resources. As a result, the value created by the minerals is not retained in the nation of origin.
The economy’s lack of diversity is another factor. Due to their total reliance on mining, many nations neglect other industries like agriculture and other services. They are therefore quite susceptible to fluctuations in the price of minerals on the international market.
The final justification is the long-term socio-environmental effects. Even while mines operate for ten, twenty, or thirty years, the consequences, such as water contamination, deforestation, or community poverty, can persist for much longer.
What s special about the Kibali mine?
With a capacity of about 7.2 million tonnes of resources, the Kibali mine is the biggest gold mine in Africa. Furthermore, it is regarded as one of the world’s most technologically sophisticated mines.
It has accomplished a lot, including funding social and environmental projects, investing $4,700 million in the local economy, and sourcing more than 80% of its energy from renewable sources.
What s the issue with reopening it?
The majority of mining projects in poor nations do not adhere to the same norms and perpetuate an inequitable system, despite the Kibali mine serving as an example of comparatively responsible mining practices. Therefore, the reopening of this mine will legitimize a structural system that has failed.
Due to these actions, the money made will not be dispersed fairly, and the detrimental effects will last for a very long time. The irony is that the nations with the most mineral wealth also have the least developed economies.
