Kaevandamist

Kaevandamist is the Estonian term for mining, the process of extracting minerals and energy resources from the Earth’s crust. It covers prospecting, development, extraction, processing, and post-closure rehabilitation. The aim is to obtain economic value while managing environmental and social impacts.

Mining operations are typically categorized by the location of the ore body. Open-pit or surface mining removes overburden to access near-surface ore and is commonly used for shallow, wide deposits. Underground mining involves tunneling to reach ore deeper underground and includes methods such as room-and-pillar and longwall mining.

Extraction is followed by processing to separate valuable minerals from waste rock. Processing may involve crushing and grinding, sorting and concentrating, and, for metal ores, smelting or refining. Techniques such as flotation, magnetic separation, gravity concentration, and hydrometallurgy are applied depending on the ore.

Environmental and safety considerations are central to modern kaevandamist. Impacts include land disturbance, water management, air and noise emissions, and the generation of tailings and waste rock. Rehabilitation plans aim to restore ecosystems after mine closure, and continuous monitoring supports safety and environmental compliance.

Regulation and governance cover licensing, permitting, environmental impact assessments, and adherence to safety standards. Economic effects include job creation, regional development, and government revenue, balanced against potential externalities and long-term stewardship of resources.