Kirtikumar Randive – författare

This book discusses a wide range of health-related mining issues, with particular reference to occupational diseases, metal toxicity, postural injuries in miners, modern fire safety controls, noise-induced hearing loss prevention, and noise mapping. Mining plays a central role in the development of modern civilization. By providing the essential raw materials, mining ensures progress, safety, and comfort of people. However, this necessary activity comes with several woes, the most important of which are occupational health hazards. Mines act as sources of constant danger and risk to the miners irrespective of the scale of mining, such as large-scale industrial mining or small-scale artisanal mining. Not only are there accidents, but continuous exposure to dust, metal toxicity, hazardous gases and fumes, and loud noises, giving rise to a variety of diseases to mine workers. The comprehensive coverage of issues and the case studies will make this book an essential reference and critical reading. Medical geology is a necessary discipline in earth sciences. Unfortunately, not much literature is available on this subject. Therefore, this book is essential for practicing engineers and supervisors in mines, health and safety professionals, researchers, and mining industry students.

Minerals are essential commodities for the growth of mankind, and all the progress of humanity owes unequivocally to minerals. However, winning minerals through mining has always been cursed, and mankind has paid a heavy price for mining in the form of great loss of flora and fauna and unprecedented impact on the environment. Notwithstanding any arguments either in favor or against, one cannot deny that for the progression, advancement, and security of nations mining is indispensable, compulsory, and unavoidable trade. It is in the best interest of every stakeholder; a sustainable approach to mining must be adopted. Sustainability has many dimensions, two most important being: the optimum utilization of mined-out materials and creating value-added products from the mining wastes. Taking a cue from this, an international seminar was organized on “Prospects and Challenges of Mineral Based Products and Utilization of Wastes for the ‘Make in India’ Initiative” at Hotel Radisson Blu from 10–12 November 2022. The conference was attended by about 120 delegates from all over India. This book is a compilation of selected papers presented during the conference, broadly divided into the following groups: (a) rare earth elements, (b) ferrous minerals, (c) non-ferrous minerals, (d) industrial minerals, (e) waste utilization and valorization and (f) other significant contributions. Written by experts and edited by academicians and technocrats, this book promises to be a valuable and essential reading for professionals, researchers, as well as students. 

This book is created for a diverse audience that includes geologists and Earth scientists studying the impacts of geological processes on human health, as well as health professionals and medical researchers interested in the environmental determinants of health. It is also a good reference for the environmental scientists and public health policymakers focused on sustainable practices and health risk mitigation. Additionally, undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, and academicians in geosciences, environmental health, and related interdisciplinary fields will find this book valuable for their studies and research. Industry professionals in mining, environmental monitoring, and disaster management will benefit from the health insights provided. Furthermore, individuals working in Ayurveda and traditional medicine will discover valuable information on the therapeutic uses of geological materials.

This book explores relationship between geology and human health, providing vital insights for professionals in both the geosciences and health sciences. It delves into how natural processes, materials, and anthropogenic activities influence human health, highlighting the critical role of Medical Geology in modern science and public health. Finally, as Professor Robert Finkleman narrates, “Medical Geology for Beginners provides an invaluable service to the science of medical geology and to anyone interested in this subject matter and especially to the young readers who may be inspired to pursue a career in medical geology”.