Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Pgs. 25-60.
Indicates the environmental and social conditions that the proposed mining
project may disturb. Must detail existing conditions.
Detailed characterization of the geological environment including the metallic
mineral ore reserve and materials comprising the overburden
The EIA must include the following test results:
o Static Testing
o Kinetic Testing
o Contaminant leaching potential short and long term leach tests
o Identification of contaminants of concern (minerals)
Description of the existing climate including any seismic conditions, or the risk
of having a major earthquake which could damage mine facilities
Description of the existing surface water quality on the location, distribution,
quantity and quality of all water resources that could be affected
Description of existing surface and groundwater quantity
Description of existing air quality conditions to evaluate potential distribution
of air pollutants and their effects in the area of influence. Must include
description of air sampling methods and number and location of methods.
Description of existing soil quality including desk study, fieldwork and
laboratory analysis
Characterization of wildlife including a description of the region, species
maps, relationships, population densities and species distribution.
Characterization of terrestrial species including information about
composition, density, distribution, status as well as effects of human presence
on the ecosystem
Characterization of aquatic species including aquatic plants and invertebrates
with details on abundance and distribution of fisheries of commercial
importance and impact of fishes and breeding grounds
Characterization of habitats critical to ecological processes since preservation
of specific habitats should be a priority.
An EIA must consider and be consistent with national and international
classifications of endangered ecosystems.
An EIA must also include consultations with state natural heritage programs
for a more detailed assessment of flora and fauna of special concern.
Must include a socio-economic baseline data or that socio-economic
environment that will be affected. It must include location of local population,
age composition, quality of life, housing quality and quantity, public safety,
health services, recreation, maps with location and existing land-use patterns,
access to public services and attitude towards the project.
The EIA must include measures for the mitigation of mining impacts for the:
o Protection of water resources a comprehensive examination of all
possible measures to avoid grave consequences
o Water management The EIA must demonstrate that it has a
comprehensive and accurate understanding of conditions that determine
the nature of water movement throughout the mine site.
o Management of waste rock dumps
o Management of open pits and pit lake prevention. Mining companies
should not allow a lake to form in an open pit.
o Management of wet tailings impoundments
o Management of leach facilities