The diamond mining Industry is not the environmental villain it is often portrayed to be. Although any mining operation for any important mineral can disturb delicate ecology, diamond mining companies have proven to be responsive to public concern and have worked hard to reduce the impact of their search for what could be argued as the world’s most precious and symbolic resource. World governments are cooperating to ensure environmental safety and preservation around diamond mines. In some cases, areas surrounding the mines are actually improved!
A number of wildlife preserves have been established to protect and breed species of animals endangered by diamond mines. For example, the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada has implemented an advisory board to study ways to protect the fish near the mining area. The program was so successful that it has widened to include the arctic deer. In South Africa, the national parks system has worked together with the Peace Parks Foundation and the diamond industry to set up a conservation area for wildlife near the Venetia Diamond Mine.
Governments are trying to reduce waste and reuse resources while mining for diamonds. Environmental management companies closely monitor the mines and routinely publish reports on their environmental impact. Many of the mines even do more than the minimum required by regulated standards. A number of mine operators restore topsoil removed from a mining site. Researchers are working on new, less water-intensive methods of diamond extract ion. Measures to use energy sources that do not emit dangerous carbons into the air have been put into place, and the levels of chemicals that reach the air are closely monitored. With support and regulation from governments, the mining industry can safely continue to benefit a large number of people who live in the countries where diamonds are mined.
