U4L3 Mining Methods Flashcards
What are the two main types if mining?
Surface mining and underground mining
What does surface mining involve?
Stripping surface vegetation, dirt, bedrock and other layers of the earth to reach ore deposits underneath
What does underground mining involve?
Drilling deep below the surface to extract ores
What is the definition of surface mining?
The practice of stripping layers of earth to reach ore deposits underneath
What is the definition of underground mining?
The practice of drilling deep below the earth’s surface to extract ores
In the U.S., how much energy do we get from coal?
Percentage
30%
In some mining sites, what causes nearby water to decrease?
Water flowed into the mine and had to be pumped out. As the water was pumped out of the mine, the water table was lowered. This caused the water supply of nearby streams to decrease.
Why is underground mining unsafe?
There’s not enough oxygen
In the Virginia mine, what happened after all the coal had been extracted?
The mines collapsed.
What happened because of the mine collapse?
A depression and caused sinkholes
Why did people switch to surface mining?
It was cheaper, safe for people, and more efficient
Why was surface mining AWFUL to animals?
Before the area was mined for coal, large areas of land were completely cleared of all trees and topsoil. The habitats of animals were eliminated. Removal of topsoil caused soil erosion and landslides.
Why was surface mining AWFUL to the atmosphere?
As workers dug to retrieve the coal, particulates were released, causing air pollution.
Why was surface mining AWFUL to the streams and lakes nearby?
Harsh chemicals were used to extract the precious resource underground. These chemicals contaminated the groundwater as well as local streams and creeks. The contamination extended miles from the mining site, affecting wildlife and polluting drinking water.
Today, for every _____ of coal that is mined, _____ of earth have been removed.
1 ton; 16 tons
