Nickel mine

[15] Nickel mines in the Philippines, while beneficial to the economy, have been harmful to both human health and well-being as well as to the environment.

The nickel mines have also destroyed lands that indigenous tribes have lived on for generations.

The water in the impoundment was later tested and found to have low pH and high concentrations of iron, sulphur and dissolved metals such as aluminum and nickel.

In the US, the only lucrative nickel mine in Riddle, Oregon ceased operation in 1987 due to pollution concerns, but some sites are now actively re-explored as the federal government considers these deposits of strategic importance due to the increased domestic demand for electric vehicles.

In 2020, highly valuable nickel, copper and cobalt occurrences were discovered near Tamarack, Minnesota.

Environmental groups have expressed concerns over the potential pollution of the Kettle River headwaters, and the Mississippi watershed.

The Environmental Protection Agency considers hardrock mining the top polluting industry in the US, and there is a long history of toxic emission problems at such operations around the world.