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Mines in Chihuahua
Mines are an enormous source of wealth in Chihuahua, mostly for investors. They generate many direct and indirect jobs that benefit settlers from the nearby towns. Nevertheless, the mining industry causes a great deal of environmental impacts which can be irreversible.

Currently, one of the open pit mines in Chihuahua is located in the municipality of Rosario, close to Parral called “Mina los Olivos”. Before the construction of this mine, many studies needed to be made to foresee how it would affect the flora and fauna nearby. Prior to the digging of the terrain, vegetation requires to be removed, which in turn diminishes oxygen production and increases CO 2 quantities, therefore causing a negative effect in climate change.

Another significant environmental impact occurs on the soil as it is practically destroyed when excavating to continue mining the ore vein. This is a highly difficult damage to restore because in some occasions the hole can reach up to 100 mts in depth.

The third important impact is on surface water, since many times it is diverted from its path. In some occasions riverbeds are destroyed. The infiltration to the ground diminishes because only rocks and boulders are left exposed, which affects water tables and rivers that feed these currents that feed the wildlife in the area.

The mining industry goes back a considerable number of years, which has been slightly modernized. This type of industry generates many harmful impacts but due to the social profiles of the communities living around the mine, in some occasions it’s the only way they can receive income.