Kaevamiskoht

Kaevamiskoht is Estonian term for a site where digging and mineral extraction take place. It encompasses locations where ore, minerals or construction materials are mined, and may include open-pit operations, underground workings, or quarries. The term covers not only the extraction area but also the associated infrastructure necessary for extraction and processing.

Common types of kaevamiskoht include open-pit mines and quarries, which remove material from the surface; underground mines, which access ore through shafts, declines or adits; and borehole or solution mining sites, where minerals are recovered by injecting fluids.

Typical features of a kaevamiskoht are access roads or rail links, portals or shaft heads, ventilation and drainage systems, processing facilities, storage areas for ore and waste rock, tailings ponds, and wastewater treatment. The site also includes safety zones, environmental monitoring stations and regulatory signage.

Lifecycle: initial exploration and permitting, construction, operation, remediation and closure. After mining ends, rehabilitation aims to restore land to a stable state and, where possible, return it to a sustainable use.

Regulatory and environmental considerations include environmental impact assessments, land use permits, water management to prevent contamination, dust and noise control, and ongoing monitoring of groundwater, surface water, and ecosystems. Safety protocols, emergency response planning, and worker training are standard requirements.