Type of materiel:{diamond} - Research Paper Example

Type of material diamond} Diamond and gold mining constitute over half of the global mineral exploitation in entirety, with approximately between six and nine million active artisanal miners in the diamond and gold sectors. Africa stands as host to a third of the global mineral wealth, including 65% of the worldwide diamond deposits. In spite of the fact that diamond exploitation contributes considerably to the livelihoods of numerous individuals, it generally impacts the environment negatively, a fete that may ultimately prove detrimental to livelihoods (Vlassenroot & Steven, 61).

Natural diamond requires some very specific conditions to form. This entails carbon-bearing matter being exposed to high pressure which ranges from about 65 to 60 kilo bars, and a comparatively low range of temperature between 900 and 1000 degrees centigrade. Two locations on earth meet such conditions; within the lithospheric mantle under continental plates that are relatively stable, and at a meteorite strike’s site. Diamonds are commonly formed in Kimberly rock; a mineral often located under overburden like soil, sand, or glacier.

Diamond prospectors often look for Kimberlite by conducting ground tests for magnetic field changes. Diamond extraction also occurs in alluvial deposits. They are extracted from clay, gravel, and sand naturally transported through water erosion and deposited on ocean beds, shorelines, or riverbanks (Steele, 93). The exploration and mining of diamond entails the use of two energy forms; hydrocarbons (petrol, diesel, and marine gas), and electricity. Both hydrocarbon energy and electricity emit carbon into the atmosphere as a bi-product.

These carbon emissions are regarded a prime factor in climate change and global warming. Mining of diamond uses copious amounts of water in place of chemicals for its extraction processes. But of course in numerous regions of Africa which forms the main sites for diamond mining, water is scarce. This aggravates water shortages ascribed to such regions. Diamond mining also adversely affects biodiversity. Biodiversity alludes to the variety of different kinds of animals and plants existent within a particular ecosystem, from humans, to wild animals and plants.

Mining activities occur in a variety of environments, from aquatic to terrestrial, and as such pose threats of extinction of species dependent on such ecosystems for survival and mutual coexistence (Elrich & Dan, 39). Open pit mining for diamonds leads to land dereliction. Open pits are left uncovered, and following the completion of the mining process, these pieces of lands are left in such conditions that do not allow the habitation of humans and other life-forms alike. Literature at times mentions diamond dust as poison.

Diamond dust ought to be considered an equivalent to powdered glass. Inhalation of powdered glass by miners produces some very sharp, burning pain in the throat and abdomen. Nausea and vomiting is normally scribed to this inhalation, with the vomit carrying blood stains. In the event that the intestine is perforated, death may occur. Pneumoconiosis is a condition that has been found in workers involved in diamond production. Conditions of the skin like hair follicle inflammation and mucosal lesions have been reported from this exposure as well.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists carbon black, the primal element in diamond’s structure, as a carcinogenic substance. Carbon emissions such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide that result from the extraction of diamonds also affect human beings adversely (Bruton, 56).Diamond mining involves the use of different techniques and equipment. The mining of diamonds on a non-industrial scale is carried out by communities, families, and individuals through very basic equipment like pans and sieve-a process known as artisanal mining.

Pipe mining entails extracting diamonds from volcanic pipes. Drills are used to sink shafts, and tunnels are driven further into parts of the pipe. Cubic presses make use of six distinct anvils that press onto a cube. They are mainly utilized in the production of industrial diamond powder. Bar presses on the other hand are used to produce comparatively large diamonds. In 2005 for instance, Canada experienced expenditure of 251 million dollars in diamond exploration. Diamond mining makes use of both manual and skilled labor.

In the vast mining sites in Africa, on-the ground exploration mainly employs low-paying casual labor amongst the local populace. Diamond processing and cutting however involves the use of skilled labor and technical appliances, and s such employs high-earning professionals. The cost of diamonds stands very highly in the precious elements market. It sits after platinum, rhodium, gold, and iridium, which are the most highly priced commodity in that order. Diamond exploitation machinery emerges amongst the `most expensive in the market (Zim & Gustav 46).

Works cited Bruton, Eric. Diamonds. 12th ed. Radnor, Pa.: Chilton Book Co.., 2008. Print. Erlich, Edward, and W. Dan Hausel. Diamond deposits: origin, exploration, and history of discovery. Littleton, CO: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, 2002. Print. Steele, Wilbur Daniel. Diamond wedding. [8th ed. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 2010. Print. Vlassenroot, Koen, and Steven van Bockstael. Artisanal diamond mining: perspectives and challenges. Gent: Academia Press [for EGMONT], 2008. Print. Zim, Herbert S.

, and Gustav Schrotter. Diamonds. New York: Morrow, 2009. Print.