Environmental implications assessment of limestone mining in Thung Dang mine, Ha Nam province

Abstract

Limestone is a nonmetallic mineral with inorganic origin in nature. The limestone mined is used chiefly for the manufacturing of cement, lime and edible lime etc. Literature reviews on the limestone mining shows that loss of forest cover, pollution of water and air, depletion of natural flora and fauna, reduction in biodiversity and changes in landscape are some of the dangerous environmental implications of limestone mining. In this paper the status of limestone mining and its environmental implications in Thung Đặng mine in  Ha Nam Provice have been investigated. Based on monitoring data, it shown that water and waste water appear clear and centrations of TSS, COD, BOD₅ and pH do not exceed the safety level of Vietnamese standards. In adition to, concentrations of NO₂, CO, SO₂ and total dust are below Vietnamese allowable limits.