WHAT DOES GEOLOGY HAVE TO DO WITH IT? - INFORMED DECISION MAKING REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF MINING

Based upon experiences at the U.S. EPA, this paper will explore systematic evaluation of mineral deposit types to help decision-making by both mining companies (increasing profits) and by regulators (diminishing environmental and human health impacts). Examples of both successes and failures in the understanding of the mechanisms of environmental impacts will illustrate the importance of classification systems such as geoenvironmental models. Practical application of this data could make decision-making more efficient and effective, providing insight into environmental impacts of mineral deposits