Photo Gallery: Soil, Water & Air

Soil, Water & Air impacts from mining occur on and below the surface. Exposed rocks, metals and ores can undergo naturally-occurring chemical reactions when exposed to water over time, leading to pollution from acidity or heavy metal content.

Ecosystems are impacted when plants uptake the polluted water, potentially exposing feeding animals to toxins. In arid and desert areas, wind can create blowing contaminated dust.