Minerals and Mining

Question 1

Which of the following statements about large scale mineral extraction is true?a.The economic benefits of large scale mineral extraction outweigh the environmental costs.b.Large scale mineral extraction is more destructive than in the past.c.Large scale extraction is vital to the economy of mining towns.d.Mineral extraction cannot be done in ways that do not completely destroy the environment.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C

Question 2

Explain how surface mining affects plant life.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Surface mining removes vegetation and topsoil, destroying plant habitats and preventing regrowth in the mined area.

Question 3

What are three ways that minerals are used?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Minerals are used in construction (gypsum, iron), electronics and wiring (copper), and fertilizers or chemicals (phosphate, sulfur).

Question 4

The long term effects of mining include _______.a.acid drainageb.erosionc.dust emissionsd.all of the above

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D

Question 5

Placer mining involves _______ to extract minerals.a.removing the top layer of earth b.tunneling under the earth c.dredging sediments from the water bottom d.none of the above

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C

Question 6

Predict what will happen to an abandoned strip mine over time.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Over time the pit may fill with water forming a lake, soil may erode or acidify, and limited vegetation may return but ecosystems recover slowly.

Question 7

Explain why mining has such a large impact on the environment.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Mining removes large volumes of earth, destroys habitats, pollutes water and air with heavy metals and chemicals, and permanently alters landscapes.

Question 8

Compare surface, subsurface, and placer mining in terms of damage to the environment.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Surface mining causes the most visible land disturbance and habitat loss. Subsurface mining has less surface impact but risks subsidence and groundwater pollution. Placer mining disrupts riverbeds and increases sedimentation harming aquatic habitats.

Minerals and Mining Answers

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