The article presents the results of many years research on the surface infrastructure influence of mining industry of the North Caucasus on biosphere components in its area of activity. Considering that industrial mining of ores on the eastern slope of Caucasus Mountains (Sadonskoe silver-zinc deposit) began in the middle of the nineteenth century by Belgian industrialists and continues to the present. The accumulation of heavy and toxic metals in the soil horizon is shown (2.5–3.5 MAC), creating a real threat to health and livelihoods of the population living here. Fragmentary variability of landscapes, leading to the depletion of biological diversity, up to the disappearance of its various types has been revealed. According to the intensity of dust emission and the share of negative sources participation in the overall balance of dust pollution of the area atmosphere, it has been found that man-made deposits of ore processing waste are potential foci of catastrophic processes in the destruction of fencing dams by mountain streams, as they are located on terraced areas of mountain valleys. It is analytically established that safety, both general and environmental, can be achieved only by eliminating these sources from potentially dangerous places.
The article provides information on the history of the development of Sadon ore field, Tyrnyauz tungsten-molybdenum and Urupsk deposits. A description of landscape changes occurred in the process of mining and processing of non-ferrous metal ores in places of mining enterprises dislocation is given. It has been shown that soil pollution in the area of mining facilities activity with heavy and toxic trace elements has mineralization of mining origin. It has been established that in the areas of dislocation of existing mountain objects, landscapes and soils, which are an integral part of ecosystems, have a pronounced zonation, each of which has certain components that influence the formation of ecological situation. Low levels of lead and zinc have been found in seasonal vegetables (potato tubers) and high, exceeding MAC – in perennial fruit crops (apples, pears). It is noted that only the use of scientifically based measures based on real positive results, taking into account geo-environmental factors, can affect efficient environmental management under the considered conditions.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.