Environmental Hazards of Limestone Mining and Adaptive Practices for Environment Management Plan

Limestone is a fundamental raw material in various industrial sectors. It is formed due to biochemical precipitation of calcium carbonate, and further compaction over long periods of time. A high market for limestone products and its use in a growing number of industries has led to its widespread exploration and excavation. The most widely adopted method of limestone mining is through opencast pits with bench formation. Limestone mining causes widespread disturbance in the environment. Myriad impacts are observed as changes in land use pattern, habitat loss, higher noise levels, dust emissions and changes in aquifer regimes. These environmental concerns have brought about the need for sustainable Environment Management Plan in the mining sector, so as to reduce environmental degradation during operation as well as restoration of degraded lands after final mine closure. A well-formulated Environment Management Plan will help in mitigating the impacts of mining on the environment. The best practices adopted by industries around the world can be adapted as per site characteristics is to ensure sustainable mining along with the prevention of environmental degradation.