

If the world recycles enough scrap metal, the demand for virgin materials will decrease and mining activity will follow. And recycling scrap metal is a step in the right direction. Moreover, sectors around the world – especially high-tech industries – rely on metals and rare earths to survive.īut while banishing mining is impossible, reducing the need for it is within reach. It’s a global $496-billion-industry, with the livelihood of millions depending on it. On the other hand, shutting down mining can prove devastating, too. The impact extends far wider than the mining site itself, and continues decades after the mining activity is done.

Hazardous byproducts including wastewater.Soil, groundwater, and surface water contamination.The harsh environmental impacts of mining are many. This rabid digging not only destroys the soil, but it also releases toxic compounds, radioactive rocks, metallic dust, and asbestos-like minerals into the air and water.Īll for a small concentration of a precious mineral or metal. To extract raw materials from the earth, mining companies employ heavy excavators, haul trucks, and men with shovels to dig into the ground.

The Unbeatable Benefits Of Recycling Scrap Metal Reduces The Need For Mining But after reading this guide, you may even feel pumped up enough to inspect your home for pieces of trash with metals in them. Maybe you’ve read about it, too, but didn’t have the inclination to jump onto the recycling train. Perhaps you’ve heard about scrap metal recycling many times before. You can help save the environment by turning junk into cash. You can’t turn anything you touch into gold, unless your name is King Midas.
