Topic 3: Unit-3 Flashcards
MINING OF MINERAL RESOURCES -- Mining in South Africa (13 cards)
SA’s 3 major original mining cities
- Joburg / Witswatersrand (gold)
- Kimberly (diamonds)
- Newcastle (coal)
Tailings dams
dams filled with waste material
What is the responsibility of inactive mines?
- monitored and rehabilitated to prevent pollution
- rehabilitate and stabilize the land and damaged vegetation
- restore ecosystems to reduce long-term environmental damage.
- secure dangerous areas with boundary fencing
What are the environmental impacts of mine dumps?
Mine dumps can release toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater, cause dust pollution, and lead to erosion, making the land unsuitable for vegetation and wildlife.
What are mine dumps?
Mine dumps are large piles of waste material left after the extraction of minerals. They often contain harmful chemicals (radioactive materials) and heavy metals, leading to soil and water contamination.
What is acid mine drainage (AMD)?
Acid mine drainage is the outflow of acidic water from mining sites. It occurs when sulfur-containing minerals react with water and oxygen, producing sulfuric acid that contaminates water bodies.
How does mining lead to the pollution of water resources?
Mining can release harmful chemicals like arsenic, mercury, and acid into nearby rivers and streams, leading to acid mine drainage and making the water toxic for plants, animals, and humans.
How does mining affect places of high tourist or cultural heritage value?
Mining operations can damage historical landmarks, sacred sites, and tourist attractions through land disturbance, air pollution, displacing communities who already live there and have a cultural history there, noise, and visual pollution, diminishing their cultural and economic value.
What are the economic impacts of mining near tourist areas?
Mining near tourist areas can lead to a loss of tourism revenue, as the natural beauty and attraction of these sites are diminished, affecting local economies and employment.
What are the effects of mining on farmland?
Mining can destroy fertile soil, make the land unstable, and lead to water pollution, making it impossible for farmers to grow crops or raise livestock.
How does mining lead to the destruction of habitats?
Mining involves clearing large areas of land, leading to deforestation, loss of plant and animal species, and the disruption of ecosystems, making the area unsuitable for wildlife.
What is the long-term impact of habitat and farmland destruction?
The loss of habitats and farmland can cause biodiversity decline, food shortages, and displacement of local communities, leading to lasting environmental and social issues.
What are some solutions to mitigate mining’s environmental impact?
Solutions include land rehabilitation, reforestation, water treatment, and creating policies that enforce responsible mining practices.
