Brukunga Mine Excursion

University Senior College Stage 2 Environmental and Earth Sciences (EES) students had the opportunity to explore an eye-opening journey to the historical Brukunga Mine, a former mining site nestled in the South Australian landscape. This site had a rich history, primarily dedicated to the extraction of lead and zinc for several decades before it ceased its operations, inadvertently leaving a haunting legacy of environmental degradation in its wake.

One of the most pressing environmental concerns linked to Brukunga Mine is the pervasive issue of acid mine drainage (AMD). This unsettling phenomenon owes its existence to the mishandling and improper storage of waste materials during the mining era. These discarded materials, known as tailings, undergo chemical reactions when exposed to the elements, culminating in the creation of acidic conditions. Over time, this acidic discharge infiltrates nearby water bodies, resulting in contamination and posing substantial threats to aquatic ecosystems, and potentially, human well-being. The unique geological characteristics and composition of the mine site, coupled with insufficient mitigation strategies and the lack of appropriate closure procedures upon cessation of mining activities, have collectively contributed to the distressing occurrence of acid mine drainage at Brukunga Mine.

This enlightening excursion offered students an invaluable opportunity to witness firsthand the sheer magnitude of open pit mining's ecological footprint, driving home the importance of responsible and sustainable resource extraction practices.