PEE 6.4 Environmental Implications of Mineral Use

Question 1

Mining and Environment

Answer 1

1. Erosion
2. Aquifer depletion
3. Surface water pollution (acid mine drainage)
4. Soil and air pollution (due to tailings and smelting)

Question 2

Mining and Environment

Answer 2

1. Erosion
2. Aquifer depletion
3. Surface water pollution (acid mine drainage)
4. Soil and air pollution (due to tailings and smelting)

Question 3

Restoring land degraded by mining. Involves filling in and grading the area to the shape of its natural contours and then planting vegetation to hold the soil in place.

Answer 3

Derelict land

Question 4

Sustainable Use of Nonrenewable Minerals

Answer 4

1. Reuse or recycle metal products wherever possible.
2. Redesign manufacturing processes to use less mineral resources
3. Reduce mining subsidies
4. Increase subsidies for reuse, recycling, and finding substitutes.