Environmental Impacts at the Exploration Stage - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 573

high quality natural environments including rainforest. Containment of drill cuttings and
drilling l uids is another important issue. Following drilling, drill sites are usually restored
to their pre-drilling condition, except in situations where it is certain that the area will be
mined in the near future.
WATER MANAGEMENT
Like everyone else, exploration geologists depend on a continuous supply of clean water.
Clean water sources in exploration areas need to be identii ed, if they exist. Exploration
staff should be aware of existing water supplies prior to entering the exploration site. Silt
generated from exploration activities should be diverted away from drawing points of
clean water or washing sites.
RUNOFF AND EROSION CONTROL
Sediment control measures need to be coupled with appropriate control measures to divert
water runoff away from potential erosive areas. A few principles govern the effectiveness of
erosion and sediment control and should be implemented continually during the life of all
exploration activities: (1) minimize disturbed areas; (2) manage site drainage (e.g. establish
diversion ditch); (3) control erosion and sediment; (4) support progressive re-vegetation; and
(5) closely manage i eld work. Managing i eld work includes advising all site-labor and sub-
contractors of their responsibility in minimizing soil erosion and other forms of pollution.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
It is considered good industry practice to remove from the exploration area all that is
taken into it, including packaging, cans, bottles, orange skins and consumables. As such,
waste management during exploration depends on understanding the type and quantity
of incoming materials. Materials used vary widely and can be classii ed into four main
groups: liquid, solid, gaseous and food/putrescible materials ( Table 2 ).
SURVEY MARKERS
It is good practice to use only as much l agging tape as necessary and to avoid l uorescent
paints. If marking rock faces for sampling and mapping, aluminium permatags can be as
effective as paint, are less visually intrusive and last longer if not physically removed. When
using a hip chain with nylon thread for measuring distances, good practice is to remove the
thread when walking back along the traverse. Biodegradable thread is preferred.
VEGETATION CLEARING
Vegetation protects the land surface from erosion, while foliage protects the soil from the
impact of rain and reduces runoff. Tree roots bind the soil to prevent surface erosion and