Environmental issues in Mining: A Comprehensive Review of Challenges and Strategies for Mitigation and Rehabilitation

Mining significantly contributes to global economic development, accounting for approximately 6% of global GDP. However, its environmental impacts are severe, including acid mine drainage (AMD), water and air pollution, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. This study critically examines these challenges and evaluates mitigation and rehabilitation strategies for sustainable mining.

A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature and case studies (1990–2023) was conducted, focusing on environmental impacts, mitigation measures, and rehabilitation outcomes. Key findings reveal that AMD contaminates water with heavy metals, while mining contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter, exacerbating climate change and public health risks. Biodiversity loss, particularly in sensitive regions like the Amazon, highlights mining’s ecological footprint. Mitigation strategies, such as renewable energy adoption, advanced water treatment systems, and circular economy principles, show promise but face challenges in scalability and cost. Rehabilitation efforts, including reforestation, land reshaping, and biodiversity offsets, have successfully restored degraded landscapes but require robust regulation and community participation. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating technological innovation, stringent regulations, and stakeholder engagement to address mining’s environmental legacy. Future research should focus on cost-effective technologies, socioeconomic impacts, and combating illegal mining to balance economic development with environmental sustainability.