Diamonds evoke a wide range of emotions in people. Diamonds are frequently associated with lavishness and luxurious lifestyles. They’re frequently set in jewelry and given as gifts for occasions like engagements, anniversaries, and birthdays. Some people, on the other hand, consider diamonds’ scientific applications. Diamonds are also used for industrial uses such as laser applications and as ‘heat sinks’ for microelectronic devices because they are the hardest natural substance and have other beneficial properties.
However, most people may not have thought of how diamonds are acquired in the first place. Since diamonds are formed deep beneath the earth’s crust, we have to mine them out. This is a very expensive process that required heavy machinery and manpower. Also, it causes several negative environmental impacts.
Let’s take a look at diamond mining’s negative impacts before you go to buy diamond rings.
How It Affects The Environment?
If mining companies follow the proper planning and regulations, it is also easier to minimize the negative impacts of diamond mining. Most diamond mining corporations, regrettably, do not bother to follow these rules. Because the nutrient from the upper soil is removed, inappropriate diamond mining methods can lead to soil erosion and cause agricultural issues.
Some areas may be no longer suitable for agriculture. Flooding and other natural disasters can be exacerbated by land degradation. Deforestation is another consequence of soil erosion that has far-reaching implications for ecological systems.
How It Affects Miners?
Harmful chemicals are frequently used by laborers, which can cause chronic illnesses. Inhaling dust from digging and blasting operations is one example. Pneumoconiosis, a lung disease, can be exacerbated by this. Fibrosis may develop if the condition deteriorated. Mercury and radon are two other hazardous substances that are always present in mines.
Mercury poisoning, cardiac disease, headaches, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, nausea, and diarrhea are all common symptoms of mercury poisoning. Radon, on the other hand, is a radioactive gas that, over time, can cause lung cancer.
How It Affects Local Residents?
The poisoning of aquatic life can be caused by polluted water bodies resulting from waste disposal. Deforestation caused by mining operations is what causes animals to migrate from one location to another. Toxic materials cause plants to wilt and die. And if this happens, the animals will get completely washed away from our planet. As a result, food will be scarce in these communities.
Bottomline
Switching to lab-grown diamonds is the most ideal way to put an end to mining operations.