Land Degradation and Rehabilitation

Land Degradation

It is the reduction or loss of the biological and economic productivity of Land resources due to human activities and natural processes

Causes

1. Overgrazing

2. Urbanisation

3. Mining

4. Deforestation

5. Climate change

6. Pollution

Effects of Desertification

1. Spread of food-borne and water-borne diseases resulting from lack of clean water and poor hygiene.

2. Shortage of food and water supplies leading to malnutrition.

3. Increased respiratory issues from dust and sandstorms.

4. Heat stress and heat related illnesses.

5. High rate if migration.

Mineral

A naturally occurring inorganic substance that has a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure.

Rock

An aggregate of one or more minerals.

Gangue mineral

Worthless or unwanted minerals.

Rehabilitation

It is the process used to repair the impacts of mining on the environment.

Rehabilitation comprises

1. Design and construction of landforms.

2. Establishment.

Mineral Life Cycle

1. Exploration and feasibility phase.

2. Planning and construction phase.

3. Mine operation phase.

4. Mine closure phase.

Breakdown of MLC

1. Exploration : locate mineral anomalies, discovery and sampling.

2. Feasibility: decision on economic Feasibility.

3. Planning: mine planning, environmental assessment, environmental permit.

4. Construction: clearing, stripping, blasting and infrastructure.

5. Operations: ore extraction, crushing, grinding concentrating, tailings management, waste water management, progressive reclamation.

6. Closure : site clean-up; reclamation and rehabilitation, maintenance; environmental monitoring.