Mining Impact on Envir

Question 1

UNDERGROUND JUDGEMENT

Answer 1

• Underground mining can be considered to be more acceptable than open-pit mining since, it has a smaller footprint than an open-pit.

Question 2

OPEN-PIT JUDGEMENT

Answer 2

• The high volume of material involved in open-pit mining makes the impact on the environment very SEVERE.

Question 3

Open pit mining impacts

Answer 3

The extraction process produces substantial amounts of waste rock and tailings. Tailings and waste rock pose physical and chemical hazards, including potential acid mine drainage, contaminating soil and water with harmful elements.

Question 4

Underground mining impacts on environment

Answer 4

• Tunnel collapses and land sinking.
• Mercury use in mining contaminates air and water through improper disposal.
• Mining boosts sedimentation in rivers via hydraulic pumps and dredges.
• Blasting removes fertile topsoil, hindering vegetation recovery.
• Mining-caused deforestation destroys biomes and worsens erosion.

Question 5

Reclamation PROCESSES after open-pit mining operations

Answer 5

• Create natural land contours and revegetate the site for recreational or pastoral use.
• Voids left after mining can become lakes, and acid-prone mines and waste must be covered with low permeability material like compacted clay.
• Acidic run-off may be treated with passive neutralisation using limestone beds.
• Artificial wetlands trap contaminants and create oxygen-free conditions to prevent more acid formation.

Question 6

ON-SHORE DRILLING affects the environment

Answer 6

• Drilling method has the smallest environmental footprint among mining methods.
• Poses a significant risk to groundwater contamination.
• Gases and chemicals may still escape through fractures in the rock.
• Emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, can occur during natural gas extraction.

Question 7

ON-SHORE DRILLING Judgement

Answer 7

Onshore drilling has detrimental impacts on underground aquifers and contributes to greenhouse gas emission.

Question 8

OFF-SHORE DRILLING affects the environment

Answer 8

• Oil spills and drilling fluid discharge.
  
  • Petroleum contamination leads to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
  • Disrupt migratory patterns, pushing marine life from important habitats.

Question 9

Methods of reclamation after off-shore drilling

Answer 9

• Old rigs placed on sea floor in Rigs-to-Reefs program. Within a year, marine life covers rigs, becoming artificial reefs. Reefs attract fish, enhance fish populations.