ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF MINING IN PAKISTAN'S FRAGILE ECOSYSTEMS

Abstract

This study systematically assesses environmental impacts of mining across Pakistan's fragile ecosystems, targeting 12 sites (2,450 ha) in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilochistan spanning coal, copper-gold, and gemstone operations. Mixed-methods analysis revealed 64.2% vegetation cover loss, 67.4% soil organic carbon decline, 58% streamflow reduction, 300% PM2.5 exceedances, and heavy metals 4.2-28.6× background levels. Acid mine drainage affected 68% tailings (pH drop 2.1 units), EPT taxa collapsed 76%, and ΣRQ>1.0 across 68% sites. MCDA mapping identified 58% high-risk zones within 500m buffers; BAU projections forecast 56% degradation expansion by 2040. Stakeholder discordance (operators 4.2/5 benefits vs. communities 2.1/5) reflects $150K/site/year health costs unaccounted in BCR=1.4 operations. Optimal mitigation (phytoremediation 35%, barriers 28%) yields BCR=2.1. Findings compel 95% EIA mandates, 1km zoning, and kinetic AMD modeling to avert irreversible biodiversity collapse across Pakistan's 70% untapped mineral reserves, positioning impacts mid-global spectrum while prescribing evidence-based remediation trajectories.