5.9 Impacts of Mining

• What is the primary purpose of mining?

  Extract valuable minerals
• Surface mining involves removing the top layers of soil
• What does open-pit mining create?

  Large, terraced pits
• Strip mining removes layers of topsoil and rock in strips to expose coal or other minerals.
• Match the mining method with its description:

  Surface Mining ↔️ Removal of top layers

  Underground Mining ↔️ Extraction through tunnels

  In-Situ Leaching ↔️ Dissolving minerals with chemicals
• What are some environmental impacts of surface mining?

  Destroys habitats, causes erosion
• Underground mining can lead to land subsidence
• In-situ leaching can cause groundwater contamination.
• What are some key environmental concerns associated with mining on land?

  Habitat destruction, soil erosion
• Mining activities can disrupt natural ecosystems, leading to the loss of wildlife habitats
• Order the environmental impacts of mining on land from most direct to indirect:

  1️⃣ Habitat Destruction

  2️⃣ Soil Erosion

  3️⃣ Water Pollution

  4️⃣ Air Pollution
• What is the effect of water pollution from mining on aquatic life?

  Harm to aquatic life
• Air pollution from mining can lead to respiratory issues and smog formation.
• It is crucial to mitigate mining impacts through effective practices and environmental restoration
• Match the mining method with its environmental impact:

  Surface Mining ↔️ Destroys habitats, soil erosion

  Underground Mining ↔️ Land subsidence, water pollution

  In-Situ Leaching ↔️ Groundwater contamination
• How does underground mining extract resources?

  Through tunnels and shafts
• In-situ leaching involves dissolving minerals using chemical solutions.
• Groundwater contamination is a significant environmental impact of in-situ leaching.
• What are the primary environmental impacts of mining operations on land?

  Habitat destruction, soil erosion
• Clearing land for mining leads to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
• Dust and emissions from mining operations contribute to air pollution.
• What does mining destroy, leading to biodiversity loss and habitat disruption?

  Natural ecosystems
• The removal of topsoil in mining leads to soil erosion.
• Mining activities can contaminate water sources with chemicals and heavy metals.
• What type of pollution is caused by dust and emissions from mining operations?

  Air pollution
• The loss of natural ecosystems in mining leads to a decrease in biodiversity.
• Match the water pollutants from mining with their effects:

  Chemical Runoff ↔️ Contamination of surface and groundwater

  Acid Mine Drainage ↔️ Heavy metal contamination

  Sedimentation ↔️ Increased turbidity, reduced clarity
• Steps in the formation of acid mine drainage:

  1️⃣ Sulfide minerals are exposed to air and water

  2️⃣ Sulfuric acid is formed

  3️⃣ Heavy metals are leached into waterways
• Monitoring water quality is a method to reduce the environmental impact of mining on water resources.
• What is a common social impact of mining that disrupts communities and their cultural heritage?

  Community displacement
• Competition for resources in mining can lead to social unrest.
• Mining operations can create jobs in extraction and related services.
• Match the social consequences, economic benefits, and social costs of mining:

  Community Displacement ↔️ Job Creation

  Health Issues ↔️ Revenue Generation

  Social Unrest ↔️ Infrastructure Development
• What is the process of extracting valuable minerals and geological materials from the Earth called?

  Mining
• Surface mining involves the removal of top layers to access minerals.
• Underground mining can lead to land subsidence and water pollution.
• Which environmental impact of mining reduces biodiversity and disrupts wildlife habitats?

  Habitat destruction
• Match the environmental impacts of mining with their descriptions:

  Habitat Destruction ↔️ Loss of natural ecosystems

  Soil Erosion ↔️ Excavation and removal of topsoil

  Water Pollution ↔️ Contamination with chemicals

  Air Pollution ↔️ Dust and emissions from mining
• What are the main issues that threaten water resources in mining activities?

  Chemical runoff, acid mine drainage, sedimentation
• Chemical runoff in mining can contaminate both surface and groundwater.