The Effect of Mining Activities on the Paleokarstic Features, Recent Karstic Features, and Karst Water of the Bakony Region (Hungary)

Abstract

This study describes the direct and indirect effects of mining on the karst of the Bakony Region. For this, the results of geological and mining research of the last century, the results of hydrological research of fifty years, as well as the investigations of several decades on the karst of the mountain region are used. Direct effects include the exploitation of filling materials (limonite, kaolinite, manganese ore, and bauxite) from paleokarst features, dolomite rubble, activities exploring or destroying cavities, and the pollution of cavity systems with mining waste (dirt). An indirect effect is karst water extraction. Mining activities (coal and quarrying) resulting in the development of pseudokarstic features are also mentioned here. It can be stated that the effects on the karst and karst features may be permanent and even renewing, but the original state may also have returned or can be expected in the near future. Damages may be local or regional. A regional effect is the decrease in karst water level, which has the most significant effect on the environment, but it has already reached its original state by now.

Potential Impacts of Zone-Specific Mining on Karst

“…The methodology section of the paper focuses on understanding the diverse impacts of mining on karst systems, distinguishing between direct and indirect effects [26]. It is imperative to recognize that while direct impacts are manifested in the physical alteration of karst features, such as mineral extraction leading to the exhumation of karst features, indirect impacts predominantly influence karst hydrology, which can also be artificially altered.…”

“…Zone-specific mining strategies are explored, with open-pit mines extracting karstic rock or fill from paleokarstic surface features, such as bauxite, manganese [26], or gold [28]. This mining activity leads to the exhumation of paleokarstic depressions.…”

“…It is observed that mining operations in this region may target the extraction of karstic rock or minerals associated with karstic features. The diversity of infill within karst depressions is noted, ranging from bauxite [26] to iron ore [2], and including interbedded materials such as coal [27].…”

“…The high permeability of karst allows for rapid and widespread dissemination of these changes through karstwater. Veress [26], and Veress et al [27] have specifically addressed the impact of mining on karst in the Bakony Region.…”

Rubble Mines in the Environs of Veszprém (Bakony Region, Hungary)

“…In the Bakony Region, several studies have mentioned the relationship between mining and karst and paleokarst (for example) [14]. Two studies had a complete focus on this relationship in the Bakony Region [13,15].…”