Mining

Question 1

Strip mining

Answer 1

Remove vegetation, soil, and rocks (overburden) to expose ore. Extract the ore, return the mine tailings (misc. stuff) to the open crater.

Question 2

Open Pit (surface mining)

Answer 2

Dig a huge hole. For resources close to the surface, but extends vertically and horizontally below surface

Question 3

Mountaintop Removal (surface mining)

Answer 3

Blow up the top off a mountain. Remove the resource, dump the mine tailings somewhere else (usually near rivers and streams).

Question 4

Placer (surface mining)

Answer 4

Looking for resources in river sediments.

Question 5

Subsurface Mining

Answer 5

Used when the resource is >100 m below surface. Drill horizontal tunnel and vertical shafts from the tunnel. Use of elevators.

Question 6

Environmental impacts

Answer 6

• Have to build railways and roads – habitat fragmentation
• Mine tailings dumped near water
• Soil removal – erosion
• Dust
• Also the impacts on human health