Protracted Environmental Issues on a Proposed Titanium Minerals Development in Kenya's South Coast

This study takes cognizance of the fact that the TIOMIN (TIOMIN Resources Inc. of Canada) project has resulted in controversy over its handling of environmental issues and especially the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The authors address many of the protracted issues that have slowed the development of the mining project in Kwale. The main emphasis is on the impacts of the mining and mineral separation processes on the environment, including the governing legislation, the role of consultation and public participation, and socioeconomic issues. In their public documents TIOMIN has specified neither the type of minerals it wants to extract from the area nor their chemical composition. It is well known, however that the titanium minerals and zircon targeted have impurities of iron, thorium and uranium. In the absence of an Environmental Management Plan, the effects of stockpiling radioactive wastes and other impurities that could possibly lead to environmental degradation in both the terrestrial and marine environments have not been publically addressed. The measures proposed to mitigate ecological damage as a result of the establishment of a minerals processing plant in the area seem inadequate. Pollution resulting from accidental spillage or breakage could have significant impact on marine life and residents living near the mining site. Other issues that have not been addressed satisfactorily pertain to the use of surface and underground water. The area already faces a huge water deficit and the calculations presented on aquifer recharge and stream flow rates do not indicate the large quantities of water that would be required in the mineral processing plant. The project, if approved in its present state, risks violation of international conventions. Furthermore, it could cause a conflict between Kenya and Tanzania in the event of an oil spill at the proposed ship loading facility at Shimoni. The proposed mining area includes the district's most fertile land, is home to many fisherfolk and is a major tourist destination. An analysis of the effects of this project on other available opportunities must be thoroughly understood to ascertain the economic and environmental benefits and costs of the mining venture. The proposed compensation rate of $1,000 per acre, for resettlement for example, appears to be grossly inadequate. Compensation should take into account family size and structure family assets and the cost of relocation.     

Environmental Impact Assessment of the Proposed Titanium Mining Project in Kwale District,Kenya

This article addresses both environmental and socioeconomic issues concerned with the development or operation of the envisaged titanium mining project in Kwale District of Kenya. TIOMIN Resources Inc., of Canada, through its wholly owned Kenyan subsidiary, Kenya Titanium Minerals Ltd., is proposing to develop a titanium sands mine and mineral processing plants which will produce high grades of heavy minerals including rutile, ilmenite, and zircon. In addition, TIOMIN has proposed to develop a ship loading facility at Shimoni, a significant marine habitat in Kenya. When properly designed and implemented, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a powerful tool for ensuring that environmental issues are given due consideration during project design, allowing the benefits of the project to be maximized, while reducing the environmental and social costs of development. In Kenya, the EIA has to be conducted according to the requirements of the Kenya Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (2000) and in compliance with World Bank standards. An EIA document submitted to the enforcement authority, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), enables the issuing of an Environmental Impact Assessment License and a Mining License. A number of exploration studies have been undertaken and several sites have been identified for the extraction of titanium minerals and zircon. Many have expressed concern that environmental matters should be considered before a decision about titanium mining is undertaken. Toxic chemicals used in heavy mineral separation processes and disturbance or redistribution of sediment could spell a disaster for the coastal waters. The Wasini channel is home to world class coral reefs, humpback and spotted dolphins, and marine turtles. Another contentious issue is that of radioactivity associated with the minerals zircon and monazite. The coastal zone is a crucial part of the economy, as it supplies a living for a large number of people along the coast. It is envisaged that involuntary resettlement without adequate compensation and viable alternative sites may result in serious socioeconomic consequences.     

Environmental management frameworks for offshore mining: the New Zealand approach

The New Zealand region contains untapped natural mineral, oil, and gas resources while also supporting globally unique and diverse faunal communities that need to be managed sustainably. In this paper key information from the international literature is reviewed that can underpin an Environmental Mining Management System which includes elements of Environmental Risk Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Planning. This paper focuses on four developing areas of seafloor mining activities presently being undertaken or planned in the New Zealand region: hydrocarbons (oil and gas), minerals, ironsands and phosphorite nodules. A number of issues with the implementation of environmental management systems are identified including the difficulty of assessing new marine activities or technologies and the need for standardised reporting metrics. Finally, the development of ecosystem-based management and marine spatial planning is discussed which will be required to enhance environmental mining management frameworks in New Zealand.     

世界大洋金属矿产资源勘查开发现状及问题

世界大洋底蕴藏着丰富的金属矿产资源,其所含的锰、钴、镍、稀土等矿产是陆地含量的数十倍乃至数百倍或更高,因此是未来矿产资源的接替区。本文介绍了世界大洋多金属结核、富钴结壳、多金属硫化物及深海稀土等资源现状、分布及潜力,分析总结了21世纪以来国际海底区金属矿产勘查合同现状,并介绍了俄罗斯、巴布亚新几内亚、日本、中国等国家在其专属经济区内进行多金属结核、多金属硫化物开采实验的情况。由于世界大洋金属矿产资源丰富,潜力巨大,其勘查开发日益受到世界各国的重视,国际海底勘探合同不断增加,商业开发提上日程,但国际海底区的金属矿产资源开发仍面临技术、规章、环境等方面的制约和挑战。     

环境磁学某些研究进展评述

环境磁学是应用岩石磁学和矿物磁学技术去恢复环境过程、重塑环境演化历史的一门边缘科学。沉积环境中磁性矿物的形成、搬运、沉积和演化受气候变化和环境过程的控制,因此,岩石和矿物磁学性质可作为环境变化和气候过程的代用指标。环境磁学能为全球环境变化、气候过程研究提供有价值的资料。鉴于环境磁学方法在古环境和古气候研究中的重要作用。本文对当前黄土、湖泊沉积物和海洋喾物环境磁学研究的一些进展作简要评述。     

Should deep seabed mining be allowed?

Commercial interest in deep sea minerals in the area beyond the limits of national jurisdiction has rapidly increased in recent years. The International Seabed Authority has already given out 26 exploration contracts and it is currently in the process of developing the Mining Code for eventual exploitation of the mineral resources. Priority issues have so far been feasibility and profitability of this emerging industry, while relatively little consideration has been given as to how, and to an even lesser extent, whether deep seabed mining should proceed. This article makes a case that the global community should question and scrutinize the underlying assumption that deep seabed mining is going benefit humankind as a whole before commercializing the common heritage of humankind.     

Protection, Pollution Prevention and Control of Environment in Construction Stage

The proposed Taiwan Strait Tunnel will raise numerous challenges for environmental professionals. The environmental issues must be incorporated in the preliminary study, planning, design, and construction of the works and be addressed consistently throughout all phases of the project. In this article, the environmental issues that will be encountered in the construction stage are discussed, including environmental impact assessment, environmental monitoring, and specific environmental issues during construction such as spoil handling, air quality and noise control, drainage, and health and safety. The experience and practice of handling environmental issues during the construction English Channel Tunnel are reviewed throughout the discussion.     

Protection,Pollution Prevention and Control of Environment in Construction Stage

The proposed Taiwan Strait Tunnel will raise numerous challenges for environmental professionals. The environmental issues must be incorporated in the preliminary study, planning, design, and construction of the works and be addressed consistently throughout all phases of the project. In this article, the environmental issues that will be encountered in the construction stage are discussed, including environmental impact assessment, environmental monitoring, and specific environmental issues during construction such as spoil handling, air quality and noise control, drainage, and health and safety. The experience and practice of handling environmental issues during the construction English Channel Tunnel are reviewed throughout the discussion.     

Environmental issues with Australian ports

Ports and shipping operations are under increased environmental scrutiny in Australia, particularly as so many of Australia's ports and shipping routes are located in or near major environmentally sensitive areas. The environmental risks involved have been highlighted by the publicity given to shipping accidents. Environmental regulations over aspects of port operations, including ballast water management, dredge spoil and waste reception, are also becoming stricter. While port authorities have adopted stringent environmental guidelines, they remain concerned that the full impact of proposed new environmental regulations on maritime industry may not be fully understood. This paper discusses some of the issues involved with achieving a balance between environmental protection and the need to recognise the importance of seaborne trade to Australia and to maintain Australia's competitiveness in international trade.     

广东近岸海域矿物特征指数分布及指示意义

在从“源”到“汇”的沉积物输运过程中,近岸海域由于接近沉积物的源头,沉积物的物质组成相似程度较高,沉积动力环境复杂,难以用元素化学和矿物组成特征等方法区分沉积物的分布规律和控制因素。通过分析珠江口及其周边海域表层沉积物的碎屑矿物含量及特征指数发现,成分成熟度和物源区指数的分布特征主要受物源组分的影响,而ZTR指数的分布特征能够明显体现出水动力条件的分选作用对沉积物分布的影响;重矿物分异指数对海域内的水动力变化趋势的反映最敏锐。由此可见,在物源组成相似程度较高的近岸海域,碎屑矿物的特征指数分析能够作为一种反映物源相似程度较高的近岸海域内沉积物的分布规律及其影响因素的分析方法。     

三门湾表层沉积物矿物分布特征及物源分析

由于沉积环境和物质来源的差异,不同海域矿物组成及分布各异。为查明三门湾海域表层沉积物碎屑矿物和黏土矿物的含量、分布特征,在三门湾海域采集了25个海域表层沉积物、5个河流沉积物和2个潮滩沉积物样品,对沉积物样品进行63～125 μm粒级颗粒的碎屑矿物鉴定分析和<2 μm粒级颗粒的黏土矿物含量分析。结果显示,海域表层沉积物中共鉴定出27种重矿物、11种轻矿物。金属矿物、绿帘石、岩屑、普通角闪石、片状矿物含量占据重矿物的93.0%。轻矿物中81.1%为岩屑、斜长石、石英和片状矿物。三门湾黏土矿物以伊利石为主（平均61.1%）,绿泥石和高岭石次之（19.3%和15.8%）,含少量蒙脱石（3.8%）。根据Q型聚类,可将三门湾沉积物分为河口矿物区（Ⅰ区）、潮流通道矿物区（Ⅱ区）和浅水水下平原矿物区（Ⅲ区）。Ⅰ区以绿帘石、金属矿物和斜长石含量高为特征,受到河流输入直接影响,碎屑矿物与河流沉积物类似;Ⅱ区以金属矿物含量极高、片状矿物含量低为特征（80.6%）,指示湾内潮汐通道的强水动力状况;Ⅲ区以金属矿物和片状矿物含量高为主要特征,显示出陆架碎屑矿物的重要影响。矿物物源分析结果表明,研究区内细颗粒沉积物以长江来源为主,沿岸河流输入影响较小,未改变以伊利石为主的黏土矿物组合格局;而粗颗粒沉积物主要受到湾外内陆架和沿岸河流输入沉积物的共同影响,沿岸河流输入使得研究区内岩屑和绿帘石含量高,在靠近基岩海岸的区域,还可能受到部分基岩风化输入的影响。     

Coastal resort development in Malaysia: A review of policy use in the pre-construction and post-construction phase

Tourism is a major source of income in Malaysia, and coastal development for tourism is greatly encouraged. This study reviews the policies that affect the development of coastal resorts, hotels and tourism-related infrastructure in Malaysia from the pre-construction phase to the post-construction operational phase. Problems in coastal protection policies have deep roots including a lack of public support and awareness for environmental issues, inadequate governmental agency coordination and lack of funding which is necessary for successful implementation. A review of studies assessing the usefulness of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in Malaysia was conducted to determine whether potential impacts were well understood prior to starting development, and highlighted the issue of poor Environmental Management Plans during the operations phase of most coastal resorts. At the current level of fiscal, governmental and public support it is difficult to enforce policies aimed at minimizing environmental impacts from coastal resort developers.     

中沙群岛近海表层沉积物重矿物组合分区及物质来源

对取自南海中沙群岛附近海域114个表层沉积物样品的重矿物含量、分布特征和矿物组合进行了研究,在此基础上划分出3个矿物组合区:混合矿物区(Ⅰ),矿物组合包括金属矿物、云母类矿物(陆源)、闪石类矿物、辉石类矿物以及铁锰微结核。其中云母类矿物主要来自中国大陆,陆源碎屑垂直等深线向深海搬运,影响区域限于17°N以北,其次自生矿物及火山成因矿物对本区有较大影响;自生矿物区(Ⅱ)。矿物以自生铁锰微结核为主,南海原地海山的风化剥蚀物、原地可能正在活动的小型火山的喷发物质为铁锰微结核的形成提供了物源;火山碎屑矿物区(Ⅲ),矿物以闪石类、辉石类矿物为主,其次为云母类矿物(火山源),在局部地区出现铁锰微结核及金属矿物的高含量区。重矿物分区与轻矿物分区基本一致,但由于重矿物自身密度大.源区主要为原地海山或正在活动的小型火山等特点,因而,在分区过程中表现出一定的差异。     

中沙群岛附近海域沉积物中的轻矿物分区及物质来源

海底沉积物中的碎屑矿物(粒级为0.063~0.125 mm)的特征及分布样式对于鉴别沉积物的源区具有重要的指示意义.对取自南海中沙群岛附近海域114个表层沉积物样品的轻矿物含量、分布特征和矿物组合进行了研究,在此基础上将本区划分为以下三个矿物组合区:生物碎屑矿物区(Ⅰ)、火山碎屑矿物区(Ⅱ)、混合矿物区(Ⅲ).生物碎屑矿物区(Ⅰ)的矿物组合单一,为生物骨屑矿物.生物骨屑矿物主要来源于中沙环礁,极少量的陆源物质及火山物质可通过悬浮或风等途径搬运进入此区.火山碎屑矿物区(Ⅱ)的轻矿物以褐色火山玻璃为主,火山渣、无色火山玻璃等火山碎屑矿物含量也较高.风化碎屑及陆源碎屑矿物(如石英等)的含量较低.火山渣在本区呈点源式扩散分布.本区矿物组合为褐色火山玻璃-火山渣.此区的物质来源相对复杂,主要来源于原地海山岩石剥蚀风化以及区内可能存在的正在喷发的小型火山物质的风化,周边岛弧火山对其贡献极小.混合矿物区(Ⅲ)的物源丰富,包括生物源、火山源及陆源,该区又可分为两个矿物亚区:东北部混合矿物区(Ⅲ-1),主要的矿物组合包括生物骨屑矿物、褐色火山玻璃、石英、长石等,陆源物质来自于我国大陆,陆源物质基本上位于17°N以北;东南部混合矿物区(Ⅲ-2),矿物组合为生物骨屑矿物、褐色火山玻璃、石英以及风化碎屑矿物,其中陆源物质可能来自南海南部及西南部大陆中的碎屑矿物,通过发源于大河口的海底峡谷搬运进深海盆.     

长江口和黄东海沉积物单矿物分选的常用方法和流程

沉积物碎屑矿物组分既受物源控制,又受水动力影响,单矿物分选应首先选取适当的粒级,细砂粒级经常采用,但不是固定在这一粒级; 控制重液密度是重液分选的关键环节,不同目标矿物,可通过调配不同的比重液进行分离分选,并可使用离心重液法提高分选效能; 磁选是分选不同磁性特征矿物的简单便捷方法,钕铁硼强磁铁的使用,可部分代替电磁分选仪的功能,对样品量少、矿物种类多、磁性变化大地矿物组合可起到重要的分组作用; 化学分选采用不同浓度的各种溶剂在不同条件下处理试样,有选择性地溶掉妨碍矿物,留下目标矿物; 手工分选单矿物重点在于剔除其他方法难以分离的杂质,保障样品的纯度和代表性; 角闪石和石英分选流程,代表着单矿物分选的基本技术路线,不同方法合理的前后衔接,使单矿物分选高效、快捷、准确,但还有一些矿物分选难题尚未解决,需要深入研究和实践。     

莱州湾东岸海涂开发与景观生态建设

分析了莱州湾东岸海涂资源的特点,对目前海涂资源开发的主要方式及开发过程中出现的问题,如地下海水入侵日趋严重、河道挖沙对海涂的破坏和海涂环境污染不断加剧等进行了研究。结果表明：该区淡水资源严重缺乏,地下水采补失调,地下海水入侵严重;河道、海滨挖沙现象严重,影响海涂的平衡与稳定;水体污染严重,治理难度大;海洋灾害频繁。探讨了莱州湾东岸海涂开发与景观生态建设的原则及主要内容。     

东海内陆架泥质区百年来黏土矿物组成变化及其环境意义

东海内陆架泥质区是东海现代沉积的"汇",其中黏土组分是泥质区沉积物的重要组成部分。沉积物中黏土矿物组合是反映沉积区物质来源和搬运动力状况的良好指标。本文利用XRD方法分析了东海内陆架泥质区两根沉积物岩心中黏土矿物组成和含量变化,结合放射性年代标定,揭示了近百年来黏土矿物组成的演变特征,探讨了黏土矿物的来源及其含量变化的制约因素。结果表明:东海内陆架泥质区沉积物以长江来源物质为主,受黄河及瓯江等河流物质的影响;近百年来内陆架泥质区黏土矿物组合发生显著阶段性变化,它们是东亚季风强弱波动和长江入海悬沙减少的共同作用的结果。     

东海东北部陆架表层沉积物碎屑矿物分布及其物源分析

为深入了解东海外陆架表层沉积物物质来源及沉积环境特征,运用粒度和矿物学研究手段,对济州岛西南海域180个表层沉积物样品进行沉积物类型和碎屑矿物组成分析,探讨了矿物分布特征与沉积环境的相互关系,进一步明确表层沉积物的输运模式、物质来源及环流系统对其分布的影响。结果表明,研究区重矿物共34种,以普通角闪石、绿帘石和钛铁氧化物类矿物为主,橄榄石和变质岩矿物是区别内陆架沉积的标志性矿物。轻矿物共13种,以普遍发育的海绿石为特征。根据碎屑矿物组合分布特征,将研究区分为Ⅰ、Ⅱ两个矿物组合区,并进一步将Ⅱ区划分为两个矿物组合亚区。中部现代沉积区（Ⅰ区）矿物组合为普通角闪石-绿帘石-自生黄铁矿-钛铁氧化物类矿物-片状矿物,表现为现代陆源沉积特征,物质来源以黄河为主,生物沉积和自生沉积也是该区重要的沉积方式。外围残留沉积区（Ⅱ区）为沉积作用缓慢的弱还原环境,Ⅱ-1亚区矿物组合为普通角闪石-绿帘石-钛铁氧化物类矿物-石榴石-橄榄石,认为是以古长江的残留前积沉积为基底,受到Ⅰ区影响,接受了少量悬浮再悬浮的现代陆源沉积,同时又具有区域独特性。Ⅱ-2亚区矿物组合为绿帘石-普通角闪石-钛铁氧化物类矿物-石榴石,认为是古长江的残留沉积,在中部冷涡作用下,很少有现代物质的加入,区内不排除在当地环境生长的生物体作用下与Ⅰ区互相调整的物质。本研究为今后在东海外陆架深入开展沉积学、矿物学及环境演化研究提供了新的参考。     

沉积矿物学在陆缘海环境分析中的应用

沉积矿物学是进行环境分析的重要手段之一，对矿物在表生环境下的物理、化学行为的研究是正确理解和获取一些重要的替代性环境指标的基础，它可为认识近代地质过程、地表气候过程和海洋环境过程提供定性和定量依据。20世纪90年代以来，海洋矿物学注重于以沉积矿物为指示，研究气候、物质来源、扩散路径和运移方向以及沉积环境等相关内容，并与地球化学相结合，解释区域性环境变化，乃至全球性环境演变等问题，取得了重要进展。对我国这一领域的研究现状作一综述，提出了5项环境示踪的沉积矿物学指标，即：用矿物组合、重矿物含量、磁铁矿、角闪石、长石等矿物示踪物源和物流；用矿物组合、高岭石、伊利石、方解石等指示古气候；用重矿物含量、石英特征等反映水动力条件；用海绿石、自生黄铁矿、铁锰氧化物等揭示氧化－还原环境；用火山玻璃、玄武闪石、蒙脱石等示踪火山和热液活动。但应用沉积矿物学示踪环境，必须运用多种指标进行综合分析。     

深海多金属硫化物开采作业安全与环境影响分析及对策研究

随着各国对深海多金属硫化物勘探与开发的步伐逐渐加快,为确保并指导承包者在区域内开采多金属硫化物作业安全且符合保护环境规定,首先论述开采深海多金属硫化物的工艺技术,以此为基础结合加拿大鹦鹉螺和美国海王星矿业公司试采多金属硫化物案例,分析其作业过程所涉及的硫矿泄漏、结构失效、机械伤害、火灾爆炸等安全问题和破坏海底动植物群及其栖息地、排放采矿废水尾矿等环境影响,最后就作业安全与环境影响问题分别给出了针对性的对策与建议,可为工程实践提供参考。