Plateau grasslands threatened by stone mining

A huge stone pit can be seen on the top of Maxian Mountain, 40 km south of Lanzhou city, capital of Northwest China's Gansu province, May 16. At 3,672 meters above sea level, the mountain plays a vital role in the local ecosystem as it supplies water to local communities. It is feared exploitation by local farmers, who mine the mountain for stones, is jeopardizing this ecosystem. More than 400 tons of stone have been transported every day from the mountain top, leaving behind stone pits and causing serious damage to the grasslands. However the farmers have no other option but to mine the stone as this is their main source of income. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]