Primary impacts of exploration are the removal of vegetation and disturbance of ground in the immediate vicinity of the principal activities. The clearing of vegetation is one of the most significant impacts of mining on biodiversity. The range of impacts will vary with area of vegetation affected which in turn will vary according to the type of mineral extracted and the methods employed. The ground disturbance influences the recruitment and survival within rehabilitated areas.

The excavation of the substrate materials and creation of the mine void alters the soil profile, hydrology, topography, and nutrient status of the substrate. These secondary factors have the potential to impact on the local biodiversity within the rehabilitated post-mined environment.