Modern resource use and its impact in karst areas - mining and quarrying

Mining and quarrying have represented since prehistoric times a very important activity for man, at the same time producing several negative environmental effects. In karst, an highly fragile and vulnerable setting, such impacts are even exacerbated, and sometimes have resulted in irreversible negative changes to the environment. When dealing with mining and quarrying in karst, therefore, a search for a balance among the positive outcomes deriving from natural resources exploitation and the assessment of the likely to be caused negative effects needs to be looked for. The present contribution examines the presence and exploitation of resources in karst, the main negative effects related to opening and cultivation of surface and underground mines and quarries, and eventually draw some conclusion addressed toward a proper management of resources in karst, and to safeguard of the natural karst landscape.