Module 8 HSC Revision

Question 1

What are some of the issues with open-pit mining?

Answer 1

• Sites must be cleared of vegetation
• Tailings and waste rock are chemical and physical hazards
• Piles of waste are vulnerable to erosion and is a source of chemical contamination

Question 2

What is the process of rehabilitation for open-pit mining?

Answer 2

1. Coverage using a low permeability cover that prevents acid mine drainage
2. Clay is topped with soil and revegetated
3. Limestone beds may be used to passively neutralise acidic runoff

Question 3

What are some of the issues with underground mining?

Answer 3

• Sometimes waste rock is put back in the cavern whereas other times it is left at the surface
• Some methods reinforce the rood of the mine whereas other times it is left at the surface

Question 4

What is the process of rehabilitation for undergroud mining?

Answer 4

1. All potential entries are blocked
2. Surface waste is treated in the same way as open-pit
3. Underground mine drainage may be blocked or treated where it emerges at the surface

Question 5

What are some of the issues with drilling?

Answer 5

• Largest risk is the contamination of groundwater
• Another is a methane leak as a GHG
• Offshore drilling creates mine pollution, hydrocarbon spills, oil spills, waste discharge and seabed changes

Question 6

What is the process of rehabilitation for drilling?

Answer 6

Land:
1. Drill hole is plugged
2. Soil is backfilled, compacted and mounded over the hole
3. The drill pads are removed and soil is loosened
4. The area on top is contoured, revegetated, etc.
Offshore:
1. Drill hole is plugged and structures are removed
2. Structural components can be repurposed as an artificial reef

Question 7

What is the definition of sustainability?

Answer 7

“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future generations to meet their own needs”

Question 8

What are some of the processes uses by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as sustainable recource managers

Answer 8

Cultural traditions:
- Seasonal calendars
- Fire management in nomadic lifestyle
- Totems and taboos
Engagement with groups such as land councils, national parks and municipal councils:
- Indigenous ranger groups across Australia work with groups such as CSIRO or the GBRMPA
Legislation:
- The Uluru statement (not implemented)
- Protected areas
- Indigenous cultural heritage laws
- TUMRAs

Question 9

How is soft plastic waste managed?

Answer 9

Programs (e.g. formerly RedCycle) which recycle plastic bags

Question 10

How is hard plastic waste managed?

Answer 10

1. Recycling into new products such as plastic filaments or new bottles
2. Both are reused commercially, filaments can be used in 3d printing

Question 11

How is glass waste managed?

Answer 11

Recycling into new producst at glass recycling centres

Question 12

How are cans recycled?

Answer 12

• Aluminium can be extracted and reused to make new cans or can be used as sheets for other purposes