4 examples of gold mining going wrong
Photo: JR Korpa
“The possibility of moral progress rests on the fact that we can learn from our mistakes.” Karl Popper
Introduction
The political debate surrounding the Rise and Shine gold mining project near Bendigo has been framed around the idea of progress. Raising concerns about the potential consequences of modern gold mining is often seen as opposing the area's development. In this article, we will briefly explore what is being understood by "development" and present four examples of gold mining projects that have caused significant environmental and social harm.
What Does Development Mean?
This debate has persisted throughout history, with many philosophers exploring different perspectives on progress. For example while the discovery of the atomic bomb represented great scientific development, it also paved the way for destruction. AI technological advance pose similar dilemmas: they bring great benefits but, if unchecked, can cause harm. Reducing such complex issues to a simple yes or no oversimplifies the matter.
Philosopher Karl Popper distinguished between scientific progress, which is objective and driven by testing and refining theories, and moral progress, which is subjective and involves improving social values through ethical reflection. Both types of progress are crucial to human advancement, though each comes with its own challenges. While scientific progress is more straightforward, moral progress requires ongoing societal effort to enhance human welfare.
We must be cautious when speaking in the name of progress. Not all advancements are inherently positive, and critical thinking is essential to assess their true impact on society.
Short-Term Development vs. Long-Term Development in Gold Mining
Nowadays, in discussions around the development of the RAS gold mining project, it’s essential to distinguish between short-term development and long-term development. The Rise and Shine gold mining social debate is a clear reflection of this broader conversation.
Short-Term Development
Short-term development prioritizes immediate financial gains but often comes at the cost of environmental or social well-being. Mining projects may boost local economies quickly, creating jobs and revenue streams for a short period of time, but they frequently ignore the long-lasting effects on the ecosystem and community health.
Long-Term Development
On the other hand, long-term development emphasizes sustainability, ensuring that natural resources are used responsibly without compromising the future. We can have some critical questions in mind:
Can a project truly be considered "development" if it leaves long-lasting damage?
Should we measure gold mining development solely by profit, or should we include broader impacts on the environment and society?
Finding a balance between short-term economic benefits and long-term consequences is essential for sustainable development. As with the Rise and Shine project, the decisions we make today will shape the legacy of our development efforts for generations to come.
4 Examples of Modern Gold Mining Going Wrong
When it comes to large-scale gold mining projects, history has shown that things don’t always go as planned. While the promise of economic development is often front and center, the consequences of modern gold mining can be catastrophic when sustainability and responsible practices are overlooked.
Çöpler Mine Landslide (Turkey, 2024)
What Happened?
In February 2024, a tragic landslide struck the Çöpler Mine in Turkey, resulting in a major collapse. The landslide was triggered by unsafe mining practices and unstable terrain, causing a large section of the mine to give way.
Environmental Impact and Loss of Life
In addition to the severe environmental damage, the landslide claimed the lives of nine mine workers. Many were trapped under the debris, and despite rescue efforts, they were found dead.The incident underscores the need for stronger safety protocols to protect workers and communities in such hazardous environments.
2. Mount Polley Gold Mine Disaster (Canada, 2014)
What Happened?
In 2014, the tailings dam at the Mount Polley copper and gold mining project in British Columbia, Canada, failed, releasing over 24 million cubic meters of mine waste into nearby lakes and rivers. Tailings dams are meant to contain mining byproducts, which can be toxic and harmful if they escape into the environment.
Environmental Impact
This spill contaminated nearby waterways, destroying aquatic habitats and ecosystems. The damage to local wildlife was severe, and the cleanup process has been long and complex. Even today, there are ongoing concerns about the lasting environmental damage and whether the area will ever fully recover.
The Mount Polley disaster demonstrates how crucial it is to have stringent safety measures in place when managing mining waste. The consequences of modern gold mining can far outweigh any short-term financial gains if not handled responsibly.
3. Samarco Mine Dam Collapse (Brazil, 2015)
What Happened?
In 2015, the Fundão tailings dam at the Samarco iron ore and gold mining project in Brazil collapsed, releasing about 60 million cubic meters of toxic sludge into the Rio Doce River. This disaster is considered one of the worst environmental tragedies in Brazil's history.
Environmental Impact and social impact
The collapse destroyed entire aquatic ecosystems, polluted water sources, and displaced communities. 272 persons were found dead as a result of the dam collapsing. The toxic sludge devastated everything in its path, and the river's ecosystem has been altered, possibly forever. The damage to the environment and local populations is irreparable, raising serious questions about whether mining projects should be considered "development" if they lead to such irreversible harm.
4. Yanacocha Mine / Choropampa Mercury Spill (Peru, Ongoing)
What Happened?
Yanacocha, one of the largest gold mining projects in the world, is located in the Peruvian Andes and has been operating since the 1990s. This mine has been highly controversial, not just for its scale, but for its environmental impact.
In 2000, a truck carrying mercury from the Yanacocha gold mine spilled 150kg of the toxic substance on a road passing through Choropampa, Peru. Unaware of its danger, locals, including children and pregnant women, collected the shiny liquid, thinking it was valuable.
Environmental and social Impact
The spill led to severe health issues, with residents suffering from neurological, respiratory, and kidney problems. Over 755 villagers were hospitalized, and the area became a ghost town. Despite limited cleanup efforts, the long-term damage remains, with residents still fighting for compensation.
Water pollution, particularly due to the use of cyanide in gold extraction, is another problem related to the mine site. This has led to significant contamination of local water sources, affecting the health of local communities and ecosystems. Protests by indigenous groups and local farmers have been ongoing for years, highlighting concerns about water scarcity and pollution.
The Yanacocha mine illustrates how long-term environmental damage can spark sustained local opposition, and how the pursuit of profit at the expense of community resources can lead to deep social unrest.
Before and after Yanacocha Mine:
Conclusion: In The Look For Sustainable Development.
The debate between development in gold mining and its environmental impact is more relevant than ever, especially in the context of large-scale projects like the Rise and Shine mine in Bendigo. On one side, there is the promise of financial growth and job creation, but on the other, there are potential long-term consequences of modern gold mining for the environment and local communities. Striking a balance between these two priorities is key to ensuring true sustainable development.
To move forward responsibly, it's crucial to adopt sustainable practices and implement stronger regulations. Mining projects, in particular, should undergo thorough analysis and scrutiny, rather than being rushed through fast-track approvals, to ensure their long-term environmental and social impacts are fully considered.
Regulatory frameworks should be updated to reflect these priorities, ensuring that companies are held accountable for their gold mining projects' environmental and social consequences.
