Impacts of Dirty Gold on Communities
In the air, under the ground, across communities, gold mining is a pervasive threat to communities.
Issues
The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance
IRMA is a multi-sector initiative that offers independent, third-party auditing and transparency at mine sites using its 400+ page standard.
Impact of Metal Mining on Air Quality
Every stage of the mining process, including the ore extraction, generation of solid waste, and ore refining and processing, creates air pollution that has environmental and public health impacts.
Environmental Impacts of Gold Mining
Gold mining can contaminate drinking water and destroy pristine environments, endangering the health of people and ecosystems.
Protecting Communities from Tailings Disasters
Industrial-scale mine waste storage dams are collapsing more frequently and more severely, literally killing communities and ecosystems.
Waste Management Infrastructure
Storing, treating, and disposing of so much waste requires a variety of equipment and facilities, all of which can pose risks to the environment, health, and property.
Waste Pits and Impoundments
Both liquid and solid wastes are stored at well sites in reserve or storage pits. Liquid wastes (as well as freshwater reserves for fracturing) may also be stored in giant impoundments that can hold millions of gallons.