When a mine is abandoned, a number of things can happen. Some mines are left open and become a safety hazard, while others are sealed off to prevent people from entering. In some cases, abandoned mines can be turned into tourist attractions or used for other purposes.

Here are some of the things that can happen to abandoned mines:

- Environmental contamination: Mining can release harmful pollutants into the environment, such as heavy metals and cyanide. These pollutants can contaminate soil and water, and they can also pose a health risk to humans and wildlife.

- Subsidence: Mining can also cause the ground above the mine to sink, leading to subsidence. Subsidence can damage buildings, roads, and bridges, and it can also disrupt groundwater flow.

- Cave-ins: Abandoned mines can also collapse, creating sinkholes and other dangerous hazards.

- Health hazards: Abandoned mines can be a source of health hazards, including mold, asbestos, and lead. These hazards can pose a risk to anyone who enters an abandoned mine.

- Safety hazards: Abandoned mines are often unstable, and they can be dangerous to explore. There is a risk of falling rocks, cave-ins, and drowning.

- Reclamation: Some abandoned mines are reclaimed and turned into other uses, such as parks, golf courses, and housing developments.

The specific environmental impacts of abandoned mines depend on a number of factors, including the type of mining operation, the location of the mine, and the geology of the area.