Geoecological Problems of Zones of Ore Mining Technogenesis in the North Caucasus

Abstract

Centers of ore-mining technogenesis and their specific landscapes have been identified within the Karachai-Cherkess Republic and the Republic of Dagestan. Elements of the technogenic ore-mining landscape have been revealed to have a negative impact on the environment within the identified centers. It is shown that mining works are one of the main sources of ecological tension and potable fresh water pollution in highly hazardous copper-pyrite deposits. A range of mine engineering, geoecological, and social problems of the mining republics of the northern Caucasus are evaluated.