Close Down Stockton Mine!

Coal Mines effect so many things to do with our %100 natural New Zealand image but they also do so much more here are a couple more things:

What are the effects on water?

Coal mines expose sulphide in rocks to the air and water, which produces sulphuric acid and causes groundwater to become more acidic. Acidic water flows into streams and rivers, so has an impact far beyond the mine. The effects of acid mine drainage on freshwater systems can be severe, killing freshwater life such as fish and invertebrates.

Contamination of waterways is also visually obvious – streams can flow black or brown due to contamination with coal sediment, which also smothers freshwater life.
Gold mining can cause toxic substances and heavy metals such as cyanide, arsenic, cadmium, lead and zinc, to contaminate waterways, with devastating effects on freshwater habitats.

What are the effects on landscapes?

The barren, stripped-bare appearance of open-cast mines has been likened to moonscapes. Mining also leaves behind large amounts of waste rock (known as tailings).

To allow access by machinery and to transport the mined material out, mining usually requires roads to be built, and these also have an impact on the landscape and habitats in natural areas. Ground subsidence and erosion in areas that have been mined, and instability of nearby land, is also common.

What are the effects on plants and animals?

The native plants and animals that live in areas that are mined are seriously threatened by mining activity. For example, Solid Energy “relocated” thousands of the giant native Powelliphanta snails so could remove their entire habitat at Stockton to mine coal, but up to 40% of the snails have died after being transferred, and many are still being kept in fridges.

Many other native species, including kiwi and other native birds, rare tussock grasslands and endangered native frogs, are under threat from mining. Seabed mining also has catastrophic consequences for marine environments and seabed life.

What are the effects on climate change?

Coal is the dirtiest fuel – burning coal is the single largest global source of greenhouse gases, which are causing climate change. Burning coal also causes air pollution which has a direct effect on people’s health.

As well as the carbon released when coal is burnt, trapped methane (another greenhouse gas) is also released when coal is mined.

What other effects are there?

Mining can also cause problems with wind-blown dust. Activities such as blasting and use of heavy machinery creates high levels of noise and vibration.