The Range of Environmental Concerns - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 552

through the use of seed contaminated with seeds of weeds. This is quite common, even
in commercial seed supplies. Suppliers should be requested to certify that seed supplied
is weed free, and seedlings should be closely monitored for signs of unwanted species.
Weeds can also be introduced by plant and equipment relocated from other areas.

3. Use of Second-hand Plant and Equipment. Many mining projects use plant and equip-

ment that were previously used on other projects. Soil pathogens, insects and fungi
can be introduced from these items unless stringent measures are taken to avoid this
possibility. Similarly, it is common for construction contractors to relocate workers'
accommodations from one construction site to another. In one such case numer-
ous Redback Spiders were found when portable dongas (accommodation buildings)
from Australia were being unloaded at a mine site in Indonesia. This venomous spi-
der ( Latrodectus hasselti ) while common in Australia, does not occur in Indonesia.
Fortunately, the infestation was discovered in time to eradicate the spiders before they
could spread. Giant African Land Snails ( Achatina fulica ) have invaded Lihir Island,
site of the Lihir Gold Project. While this pest probably arrived with timber imported
by the island's residents, this may not have occurred without the wealth created by the
project. The mining company is leading efforts to eradicate the snail.

4. Household pets. Dogs, cats and other pets kill many native birds and small animals.

Feral dogs and cats are particularly damaging in this regard. Accordingly, some min-
ing projects ban dogs and cats from their mine sites.

13.7 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGE

Potential social changes associated with mining include land use changes; growth induce-
ment; income generation; education and training; capacity strengthening; improvement of
public infrastructure; education, health, and welfare; uncontrolled inl ux of people; dis-
ruption of societal organization; loss of traditional values and norms; and changes in life
style and livelihood. Some of these changes are a direct consequence of project operations;
most are not ( Figure 13.15 ) . Some change processes are amenable to management inl u-
ence; others are not. All of these potential changes are discussed at length elsewhere in
this text. For an overview see Chapter One. As an illustration of social change, the follow-
ing discussion addresses only two of the main issues: (1) the relation between mining and
induced development; and (2) mining, economic growth and wealth distribution.

Induced Development

Mining projects stimulate economic growth. A major mining development may require
a workforce of several thousand people. During operation, the same project will provide
hundreds of direct and many more indirect employment opportunities. Mines also project
the image of wealth. As is the case with metropolitan centres, major mining operations
may attract a great number of people seeking jobs, as they provide income and a better
livelihood. Adding to this are the aspirations of local and central governments, seeking to
use the mining project to stimulate local economic growth.
Part of this economic growth is planned and is (or should be) rel ected in both the EIA for
the project as well as in regional land use plans. Most of the actual immigration, however, is
unplanned; induced development often outweighs expected and planned development.
Induced development poses many social challenges. It disrupts existing ecosystems and
local communities. Mines themselves require access to land and natural resources, such as

Most of the actual immigration is
unplanned; induced development
often outweighs expected and
planned development.