All Flashcards
What are the environmental consequences of mountain top removal?
Massive habitat destruction, water pollution, and long-term ecosystem damage.
What is the effect of tailings on the environment?
Tailings often contain heavy metals that can leach into soil and water, leading to toxic contamination.
What is the effect of mining on water supplies?
Mining contaminates water supplies with pollutants, dust, and sediments, reducing water quality and harming aquatic life.
What are the effects of overburden removal?
Habitat destruction, soil erosion, and disruption of ecosystems.
What is the effect of mining on air quality?
Mining generates dust and methane, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the main environmental concern regarding mining waste?
Toxic substances, land degradation, and water contamination.
Why is mountain top removal so destructive?
Causes massive habitat destruction and water pollution by leveling mountains.
What is a key difference between open-pit and underground mining?
Open-pit removes surface layer; underground accesses minerals deep below.
What are the main types of mining waste?
Overburden, tailings/slag, and waste rock.
What is the primary purpose of mining?
To extract valuable minerals and materials from the Earth.
Describe strip mining.
Removes overburden to extract minerals in strips, similar to open-pit but for shallower deposits.
What are the general steps of open-pit mining?
- Remove overburden. 2. Extract minerals. 3. Process minerals. 4. Manage waste.
What are the general steps of strip mining?
- Remove overburden in strips. 2. Extract minerals (like coal). 3. Replace overburden. 4. Reclaim the land.
What are the general steps of heap leaching?
- Pile ore into heaps. 2. Apply chemical solutions. 3. Collect mineral-rich solution. 4. Extract minerals from the solution.