Research Paper On Diamo

Research Paper On Diamo

Diamond is the hardest type of gemstone usually found at the earth’s surface, and it is believed to be formed over long periods of time in the mantle of the earth, this is as a result of intense heat and pressure within the mantle that reacts with carbon to form crystalline particles. Diamond has continued to be the backbone of livelihood to a lot of people who depend on its mining either directly or indirectly. Although Diamond continues to play an active role in economic development, its mining activities have had serious environmental damage and impact (Prelas, 2018).

Over the years, there has been an interesting study of Diamond and its extraction to ascertain and examine whether its advantages are more compared to disadvantages. The activities of diamond mining have hurt the environment, for example in mines like Kimberley in South Africa where large deep pits have been created that are filled with water and grow wider during rainfall to up above twenty meters during heavy rains as per the complication by Hayley Mathews. This has drawn attention from environmental lobbyists from South Africa like the Centre for Environmental Rights and Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa to stir up a campaign protesting against further environmental degradation of diamond mining activities and lobbying for measures to promote the protection of environmental use (Maconachie & Binns, 2007).

Currently, the diamond business has shifted to conflict-free and environmentally friendly practices that eliminate conflicts and deliver both social and environmental benefits. With all the factors encompassing diamond mining, corporate social responsibility is applied, which can sometimes be used to evade scrutiny of environmental harms. Both social and environmental factors need to be monitored continuously (Prelas, 2018). To understand the controversy surrounding diamonds, their history and impacts in mining areas must be considered.

Diamonds are believed to be formed chemically in the earth’s mantle over millions of years. The name diamond has Greek origins, ADAMAS, meaning unconquerable. They form due to intense heat and pressure in the mantle reacting with carbon to form crystalline particles. Major diamond deposits are found in Russia, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Austria, Canada, and South Africa. Diamonds are typically colorless or transparent, but impurities like nitrogen cause various colors, with the most valuable being the clear, defect-free stones.

The high cost of diamonds stems from their rarity and the difficulty of obtaining high-quality stones. Despite their expense, demand for diamonds has continued to rise globally. However, controversies surrounding diamond mining have garnered scholarly and environmentalist attention, divided into the pro and con perspectives. The pro side highlights diamond’s importance to the economy by providing employment and infrastructure development, whereas the con side emphasizes environmental degradation, human rights abuses, and associated social problems (Hall, 2013; Bieri, 2016).

The economic benefits of diamond mining include income generation, employment creation, development of infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, which considerably boost the livelihoods of mining communities (Bieri, 2016). For instance, in countries like Botswana and South Africa, diamond revenues have contributed significantly to national development, reducing poverty and enhancing social services (Baxter, 2012). Moreover, the diamond industry sustains numerous livelihoods directly through artisanal and industrial mining, playing an essential role in local economies.

Conversely, the environmental and social negatives of diamond extraction are profound. Mining activities generate massive waste, which poses disposal challenges leading to land degradation, water pollution, and ecosystem disruption (Hannington et al., 2017). Artisanal mining, often characterized by informal practices, involves miners standing in stagnant water, increasing health risks and disease transmission. Additionally, diamond mining is associated with severe human rights issues, including exploitation, child labor, and forced labor, notably in conflict zones where “blood diamonds” finance civil wars and violence (Hingston et al., 2017).

The environmental impacts extend to wildlife displacement and loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction, deforestation, and soil erosion. These disturbances threaten local flora and fauna, potentially leading to extinction of some species in mining regions (Bieri, 2016). The social fabric of affected communities often deteriorates due to displacement, resource conflicts, and exploitation, fueling cycles of violence and instability (Maconachie & Binns, 2007).

In response, various initiatives such as the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme have been established to curb conflict diamonds' trade. This global certification effort aims to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the mainstream market (Baxter, 2012). Additionally, demand for ethically sourced diamonds has increased, with consumers increasingly favoring conflict-free and environmentally sustainable products. Companies adopting responsible sourcing practices and transparent supply chains help mitigate some adverse effects associated with diamond mining.

To balance the economic benefits and environmental and social costs, sustainable mining practices are imperative. These include stricter regulations on waste management, rehabilitation of mined land, fair labor practices, and community engagement. Technological advances in mining methods, such as underground mining and improved waste recycling, can reduce environmental footprints. Moreover, promoting alternative diamond sources like synthetic diamonds can reduce pressure on natural reserves and lower environmental impacts.

In conclusion, the diamond industry embodies a complex interplay of economic prosperity and environmental and social challenges. While diamond mining has undeniably contributed to economic development and individual livelihoods, its negative consequences cannot be overlooked. An integrated approach involving stricter regulations, ethical sourcing, technological innovation, and consumer awareness is necessary to harness the benefits of diamond mining while safeguarding environmental and social integrity.

References

• Baxter, P. (2012). The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme: In pursuit of conflict-free diamonds. Journal of International Trade & Development, 21(1), 45-63.
• Bieri, F. (2016). From blood diamonds to the Kimberley Process: How NGOs cleaned up the global diamond industry. Routledge.
• Hall, R. (2013). Diamond mining in Canada's Northwest Territories: A colonial continuum. Antipode, 45(2), 227-245.
• Hannington, M., Petersen, S., & Krà¤tschell, A. (2017). Subsea mining moves closer to shore. Nature Geoscience, 10(1), 80-81.
• Hingston, P., Petersen, S., & Krà¤tschell, A. (2017). Subsea mining moves closer to shore. Nature Geoscience, 10(1), 80-81.
• Maconachie, R., & Binns, T. (2007). Beyond the resource curse? Diamond mining, development, and post-conflict reconstruction in Sierra Leone. Resources Policy, 32(3), 114-123.
• Prelas, M. A. (2018). Handbook of industrial diamonds and diamond films. Routledge.