Gypsum mining, like other forms of mining, can cause significant environmental degradation and pose risks to human health. Below are the key impacts, supported by research and case studies:

Gypsum mining often involves open-pit methods, which remove topsoil and vegetation, leading to habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity. Gypsum deposits are frequently found in unique ecosystems, such as karst landscapes, known for their high biodiversity and home to rare and endangered species. For example, in Kashmir, India, gypsum mining has led to the destruction of natural habitats, displacing wildlife and disrupting local ecosystems. The removal of vegetation and topsoil also increases the risk of soil erosion, further degrading the environment. Sources like Global Press Journal highlight these issues, noting the severe ecological consequences in mining areas.

Gypsum is highly soluble in water, and mining activities can release dissolved gypsum into groundwater and surface water, increasing salinity levels and potentially harming aquatic life. Mining can also mobilise heavy metals present in the surrounding rock, contaminating water sources and making them unsafe for human consumption or irrigation. In regions like Kashmir, gypsum mining has been linked to the contamination of rivers, such as the Jhelum, which are critical water sources for local communities. Increased sediment runoff from mining sites can clog waterways, further degrading aquatic habitats, as noted in environmental impact studies.

Mining operations remove topsoil, which is essential for plant growth and nutrient cycling. The remaining soil can become compacted due to heavy machinery, reducing its water-holding capacity and ability to support vegetation. Mining activities can also introduce pollutants, such as heavy metals and chemicals, into the soil, which can persist for years and affect agricultural productivity. In areas where gypsum mining occurs, the loss of fertile topsoil and soil contamination can render land unsuitable for farming, impacting local food security, as discussed in environmental risk assessments.

Gypsum mining can lead to the formation of sinkholes due to the dissolution of gypsum deposits. These sinkholes pose significant risks to infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and agricultural land. Underground mining can also cause land subsidence, leading to ground movement and potential structural damage. In regions with karst topography, such as parts of Thailand and India, gypsum mining exacerbates the risk of sinkholes and land instability, threatening both human safety and property, as highlighted in studies on karst hazards.

Mining operations generate dust and particulate matter, which can be inhaled by workers and nearby residents, leading to respiratory issues such as asthma and other lung diseases. The dust can also contain silica particles, which are linked to silicosis, a serious lung disease. In urban areas near gypsum mines, air quality can deteriorate significantly, affecting public health and increasing healthcare costs, as noted in air pollution studies. Studies in India have shown that gypsum miners experience higher rates of pulmonary impairments and respiratory symptoms compared to non-mining populations.

Gypsum mining often displaces local communities, leading to social disruption and economic hardship. The contamination of water resources and loss of arable land can force residents to relocate or abandon traditional livelihoods, such as farming and fishing. In regions like Kashmir, mining has led to conflicts between local communities and mining companies, as well as health issues among residents exposed to mining-related pollution. The economic benefits of mining are often concentrated among large corporations, while local communities bear the environmental and health costs without adequate compensation, as discussed in socioeconomic impact analyses.

In Kashmir, India, gypsum mining has been linked to mountain sliding, water contamination, and health hazards for residents, as reported by Global Press Journal. The mining activities have also displaced communities and disrupted traditional ways of life, highlighting the socioeconomic toll.

In Saudi Arabia, a study on gypsum mining at the Maqna area concluded there were no harmful environmental impacts in that specific location, as per research from ADS and ResearchGate. However, this is an exception rather than the norm, as most gypsum mining operations worldwide have documented negative effects