In addition, personnel are isolated from broken ore and other radiation hazards. All major mining operations in Canada have succeeded, by modifying operations, in considerably reducing air emissions. The Mining Association of Canada reports that 13 industry leaders have pledged to reduce discharges of 12 toxic air pollutants by the turn of the century. The coal industry is also committed to reducing air emissions. Water from the tailings ponds is directed to the mill instead of continually drawing fresh water from nearby lakes and rivers.
Used water is treated and neutralized before being returned to natural drainage basins.
Monitoring and Reporting Monitoring systems are designed to assess environmental performance at mining operations and to take corrective action when deviations are noted. Most mining companies include a discussion of environmental issues in their annual reports to keep the public informed about their environmental performance. Reynolds Metal provides an example of such a discussion. In addition, in collaboration with major Canadian Universities and government research institutions, they are actively participating in environment-related research programs.