1.5 Sustainable Use of Rocks and Minerals

Question 1

Sustainable resource

Answer 1

a resource that can be continuously replenished e.g. agriculture, forestry, etc.

Question 2

Sustainable development:

Answer 2

a development providing for the needs of an increasing human population without harming the environment.

Question 3

strategies for the sustainable use of rocks and
minerals (4)

Answer 3

1. increased efficiency of the extraction of rocks and minerals
2. increased efficiency of the use of rocks and minerals
3. the need to recycle rocks and minerals
4. legislation

Question 4

Increasing the efficiency of the extraction of rocks and minerals:

Answer 4

• Mine wastes must be processed for the second time.
  ( This allows the valuable minerals to be recovered and reduces the risk of pollution due to mine waste )
• Improvements in the performance of the machines used in mining and processing.
• Greater use of data analysis by computers

Question 5

The need to recycle rocks and minerals:

Answer 5

• Recycling uses less energy than processing the ores.
• Recycling also produces less waste and thus, reduces the risk of pollution.