Environmental considerations have increasingly become an important and well publicized factor in influencing the viability of a mining operation. A mine’s effect on the local physical environment can readily be appreciated as a key aspect, but less direct environmental considerations can also be important. One interesting illustration of such an indirect effect relates to the mineral gypsum.

Guest Author Dr. David H. M. Alderton, an Honorary Research Associate in the Department of Earth Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK, believes that YES, mining can be more sustainable and more responsible and more ethical. His collaboration with the mining and engineering industry has concentrated on the chemical and mineralogical characterization of mining waste and minimizing its effect on the environment.

SWIRL (Stormwater at the Indian River Lagoon) is a proposed program of testing stormwater entering Florida’s Indian River Lagoon to identify sources, volumes, and types of pollution, in order to help clean up this unique aquatic feature and protect its natural inhabitants, including endangered manatees.

Ten co-authors representing the Global Network for Geoscience and Society (GNGS) will be presenting a paper on Critical Minerals Production and the Future of Mining: Minimizing Adverse Outcomes to the Environment and Communities at the Geological Society of America’s Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh on October 16.