Environmental Impact Assessment in Open pit Mines, Case Study: The Sangan Iron Ore Mine in Khaf

Sustainable development results in balance between development and environment and consists of three main aspects including environmental, social and economic factors. All these parameters are related to each other and imbalance in any of them causes imbalances in other sectors. Mining activities are one of the most important industries for economic growth and social welfare in many countries. On the other hand, due to the many environmental effects of mining such as water and air pollution, soil erosion, various social and economic problems have led to enter the sustainable development into mining sector. Paying attention to sustainable development in the mining activities can reduce environmental problems and have positive social and economic effects. In modern mining, special attention is paid to the sustainable development. Nowadays exploitation and processing minerals are carried out with regard to sustainable development. This led to have more welfare and wealth for industrialized countries. Therefore, with special attention to the sustainable development in the mining industries one can enjoy a healthy environment and dynamic economy with social welfare. This research demonstrates the assessment of sustainable development of Sangan iron ore mine in Khaf with the use of environmental effects of this mine. The result showed that the mine has a poor stability level and is necessary to predict and carry out required activities based on the extent of the damage of various components.