Criteria-Based Environmental Quality Assessment for Small-Scale Open-Pit Mines (Quarries)

Abstract

Mining has great potential for environmental impacts if control and mitigation actions are neglected. Its licensing process is based on environmental and mineral legislation and on the knowledge on possible effects of the pressure from this type of activity on natural resources. The complexity of legal technical requirements, together with particular environmental aspects related to mining activities commonly result in delays in the licensing processes and difficulties in monitoring and mitigation of potential environmental impacts. Here we present and discuss criteria to establish environmental quality indicators for small-scale open-pit mines (SSOPM) that extract sand, clay, limestone, basalt and diabase. The criteria framework, consisting of 65 criteria, was developed using documentary analysis, literature review and expert consultation through the Delphi decision-making method. The main expected result of this study is the development of an environmental quality assessment index, which can be used for monitoring the environmental quality of mining activities, contributing to environmental licensing and to the execution of preventive and remedial actions, and for the guidance of supervisory and licensing bodies as well as by the entrepreneurs themselves.