Environmental Impact Assessment of Mining in Dana Reserve

Tariq .M. Ghonmieen, Taghreed. S. Garaleh, Taher. M. Gonmeen

GIS, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Copper Mining

Mining and disposal of copper mining waste can threaten the ecosystem and human health in general, and the threats become more severe if they are accompanied by the establishment of copper mining operations within a natural reserve, which constitutes a special and unique case of distinction, such as the Dana Reserve - in southern Jordan. Through this study, research was used that discussed copper mining in different regions of the world, to simulate what would be the case in the Dana Reserve if copper was mined there. It was found that there are significant negative effects on the environment represented in the effect on surface and groundwater, air, plants, animals as well as the resident and migratory birds through this area, and high levels of chromium and nickel were also found. The generation of tailings in the world today is immense, since only less 1% metals are extracted for each ton of ore processed. It was estimated that more than 14 billion metric tons of mining waste were produced  yearly in the world. Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve covering all four bio-geographical zones Springs and groundwater are major sources of drinking water and irrigation activities in Dana’s rural communities and visitors’ accommodations. Besides promoting public health and reducing environmental pollution, Groundwater contamination risk is a critical point when implementing mining treatment systems. Biosphere Reserve area must include the development of a groundwater monitoring program during the mining.

https://doi.org/10.31871/IJNTR.9.7.10