Institute of Geology, Dagestan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Makhachkala, Russia:

V. I. Cherkashin, Director, Professor, Doctor of Geologo-Mineralogical Sciences, dangeo@mail.ru
I. M. Gazaliev, Candidate of Geologo-Mineralogical Sciences

Platov South Russian State Polytechnic University (NPI), Novocherkassk, Russia:
I. A. Bogush, Professor, Doctor of Geologo-Mineralogical Sciences
M. R. Uraskulov, Engineer, Post-Graduate Student

In the territory of the Republics of Dagestan and Karachay-Cherkessia, centers of mining-induced technogenesis are identified together with the specific landscape widely expanding in high lands which are the most ecologically vulnerable. The aggravating environmental impact of the centers of mining-induced landscape and its elements is revealed. The package of mine-technical, geoecological and social measures undertaken is estimated. It is shown that mines are the key sources of ecological stress and fresh water pollution. The mechanisms of the environmental impact of mines are analyzed. The maximum ecological hazard is presented by the mining-induced landscapes and mines dealing with copper–sulphide ore which contains up to 80–100% of sulphides (pyrite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite) which rapidly oxidize on the ground surface and generate highly toxic compounds. Sulphide ore also contains toxic heavy metals such as lead, zinc, cadmium, copper and cobalt. These compounds enter the systems of domestic, agriculture and industry water supply and can promote accumulation of toxic elements in agricultural and animal breeding products as well as exert injurious effect on health of the local population.

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