Mining is essentially a destructive development activity where ecology suffers at the prosperity of economy.
Unfortunately, in most sections of earth, the underground geological resources (minerals) are superimposed by above
ground biological resources (forests). Hence mining operations unavoidably involves deforestation, habitat demolition
and biodiversity loss. The extraction and processing of ores and minerals also lead to extensive contamination of air, land
and water. However, mankind also cannot afford to give up the underground geological resources which are basic raw
materials for development. In this paper are detailed out the various environmental implications mankind are facing for
under taking mining in order to achieve economic prosperity and also explained are the effect of different approaches on
mining on the environment. A case study of Balaria Mining area in Rajasthan, India, has given some astonishing disclosure
of the impact of mining on ecology of the area.
