Mining and the environment Flashcards
What does mining mean?
To remove valuable substances like minerals and coal from underground
There are different ways of mining, list them
open pit or surface mining; shaft and deep level mining
How does open pit or surface mining work?
Some minerals lie close to the surface of the ground. The minerals are mined by removing the layers and layers of rock. Miners cut open the surface and take the minerals from a large pit.
How does shaft and deep level mining work?
A long tunnel or shaft goes deep underground. Miners travel down the shaft in lifts. Tunnels are dug from the main shaft to reach the rocks containing minerals or coal. Miners travel along these tunnels in carts.
South Africa has some of the deepest mines in the world. How long?
4 km below the surface of the ground
How does miners work underground in mines
Miners dig away at the rock or coal face using drills and water. Often minerals are part of the rock. The rock must be broken in smaller pieces and then brought to the service through the shaft.
How is the minerals taken from the rock once it above ground
The rock is crushed to get the minerals out. The waste rock is piled into large hills called mine dumps.
What impact does mining have on the environment?
Water pollution, air pollution, destruction of vegetation and wildlife, waste and waste disposal
What does ADM stand for?
Acid Mine Drainage
What is ADM about?
When mines are not used anymore, it leaves a very large hole that fills with water over time. Poisonous chemicals, like acids and uranium, that were trapped in the rock can get into this groundwater. It is called Acid Mine Drainage
That AMD groundwater, what effect can that have on the environment?
It flow underground hundreds of kilometers, which means that the chemicals flow into rivers and lakes. People use that water from poisoned rivers and lakes for drinking, for animals and irrigating crops. Fish and wildlife also depends on it. SA is arid or dry and need water, we do not have enough as it is
Pollution from mining can cause
disease and death. Asbestos mines in particular damaged lungs and cause cancer.
What is Mesothelioma
a non-curable cancer from exposure to Asbestos - ARD - Asbestos-related diseases
Can Mesothelioma be cured?
No
How is vegetation and wildlife destroyed by mining?
Chemicals and dust from pollution can damage the natural vegetation and wildlife. Mining activities also change the land and the course of rivers. Vegetation is destroyed.
