Mines and quarries, both in and out of use, can be serious human health threats. Mines are operations that involve the removal and extraction of specific substances; quarries only remove bulk material without extraction.

Surface, soil, and groundwater contamination can all be byproducts of quarries and mines.  Many substances can contribute to this contamination, including hydrogen sulfide, copper, nickel, zinc, arsenic, and lead.  Another pollutant resulting from mining activity is acidic water, which can drain from the mine.  This contamination is still present in former mines and can be especially dangerous if the site has since been constructed upon. 

Specific types of mines and quarries pose a wide range of problems.  For example, former uranium mines face issues of radioactive material and waste.  These mines also have problems with groundwater pollution.  In addition to this, many past mistakes, such as improper waste disposal practices, leaking underground fuel storage tanks, chemical or oil leaks from equipment, and spills are now developing into rather large problems.

Chemicals from mines can cause much damage, whether through contaminated water, skin contact, or inhalation.  These potential pollutants include: cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, radioactive materials, heavy metals, waste oil, solvents, and gasoline.  These can cause a range of problems including skin irritation, chronic respiratory problems, birth defects, and cancer.  Organic compound contamination in the water can also contaminate surrounding air.  This can entail the release of methane and hydrogen sulfide gases and cause serious health problems.

Dust from active mines can also present a problem.  It can contain trace levels of heavy metals, which, when inhaled, can be extremely hazardous.  Waste piles, too, can be hazardous, as they can lead to unsafe levels of compounds such as arsenic and radioactive material.

Other environmental dangers from mines and quarries include possible landslides and contaminated storm-water runoff, which can easily spread contamination and lead to soil erosion .