Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Program

Idaho Mining And The Environment

Mining's concern for the environment begins with exploration. Using their knowledge of the Earth's formation and state-of-the-art Idaho Geological Survey Maps, modern-day prospectors can concentrate their exploratory efforts at precise locations. The rock captured in the center of a drill, called a core sample, is examined by geologists for signs of mineralization. In Idaho, these exploratory projects are often restricted by weather and cost; an average of a quarter-million dollars apiece. Land disturbed by exploration activity is reclaimed, whether or not minerals are found.

Before a single shovel of dirt is moved, a variety of environmental and engineering studies must be conducted. It may take two to five years and millions of dollars to complete this second phase. Mining is heavily regulated by both the state and federal governments. An Environmental Impact Statement is required along with state and federal permits and a period of time set aside for public comment. Today, mining companies must develop a long-term plan which includes not only the mining process, but a program to rehabilitate the land once the mining stops.

The life of a mine may vary from several years to over a hundred years, depending on the size of the ore body and the market for the mineral it produces. Before, during and after this mine life cycle, great care is taken to protect the environment. Today, a large amount of the money generated from mining is being put back into the ground.

Idaho's mining industry pioneered many environmental programs. As early as 1930, mining companies began improving water quality and fish habitat in the Coeur d'Alene River.

In the 1970s the phosphate industry and the Idaho Fish and Game Department studied the effect phosphate mining was having on the migratory deer and elk herds in the Caribou National Forest. The study not only found mining had no effect on migratory patterns, but reclaimed mine sites were providing improved habitat for the animals, and deer and elk populations had actually increased.

Clean water is a priority of modern mining. Water used in processing is pumped to holding ponds where the waste material, or tailings, settle out. Constant water quality monitoring takes place at these ponds. Chemical solutions used in processing are never released into the environment. These solutions are stored in specially built leak-proof ponds and are continually recycled and reused in a closed system.

Concern for the environment doesn't stop at the mine site. The Simplot Company's $40 million slurry pipeline dramatically reduces dust associated with conventional ore hauling. High-tech cleaning equipment at phosphate plants in Southeast Idaho has substantially reduced stack emissions. The phosphate industry has spent millions of dollars on advanced emission control equipment.

Research funded by the mining industry is also enhancing environmental performance. At the University of Idaho, new gold and silver leaching techniques using natural organisms to extract metals are being developed. Researchers at UI are also investigating new ways to predict earthquakes and purify mine waste water.

Working cooperatively with state, federal and public interest groups, mining will continue to provide high paying jobs, support schools and community services, protect the environment and promise a golden future for the people of Idaho.

Success Stories

• Coeur d'Alene Mining Co. -- Thunder Mountain Gold Mine Reclamation
• Thompson Creek Mine: A Track Record of Environmental Excellence