Unit 5: Impacts of mining Flashcards
Mine sludge
Waste product of mining in areas of soil left by flowing water.
Surface mining effect on air
Significant dust from earth moving equipment.
Surface mining effect on water
Contamination of water that percolates through tailings.
Surface mining effect on soil
Most soil must be removed from the site; may be replaced if reclamation occurs.
Surface mining effect on biodiversity
Habitat alteration and destruction over the surface areas that are mined push animals out of their range of tolerance.
Surface mining effect on humans
Minimal in the mining process, but air quality and water quality can be adversely affected near the mining operation.
Economic impact of surface mining extraction
Less expensive
Economic impact of subsurface mining extraction
More expensive
Subsurface mining effect on air
Minimal dust at the mining site, but emissions from fossil fuels used to power mining equipment can be significant.
Subsurface mining effect on water
Acid mine drainage as well as contamination of water that percolates through tailings.
Subsurface mining effect on biodiversity
Road construction to mines fragment habitat.
Subsurface mining effect on humans
Occupational hazards in mine; possibility of death or chronic respiratory diseases such as black lung disease.
Mine reclamation
Attempting to restore the environment to its initial condition.
Mining law of 1872
Allows individuals and companies to get ores and fuel on federal land. Low environmental regulations.
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (1977)
Land must be minimally disturbed during coal mining and then reclaimed/remediated.
