All flashcards
Flashcard 1: What is the main objective of mine reclamation projects?
Answer: To restore ecosystems and land usability after mining. Returns degraded mining sites to productive ecological or agricultural use.
Flashcard 2: Identify one regulation that controls mining pollution.
Answer: The Clean Air Act controls mining-related air pollution. Federal law limits emissions of dust and harmful gases from operations.
Flashcard 3: What is the main purpose of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act?
Answer: It regulates surface mining and requires land restoration. SMCRA mandates companies restore mined land to productive use.
Flashcard 4: Which mining method is most associated with deforestation?
Answer: Open-pit mining is associated with deforestation. Large-scale surface excavation requires clearing extensive forest areas first.
Flashcard 5: What is the main environmental concern of uranium mining?
Answer: Radiation contamination is a major concern. Radioactive particles can contaminate air, water, and soil permanently.
Flashcard 6: Identify an advantage of using renewable energy in mining.
Answer: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an advantage. Solar and wind power reduce carbon footprint of mining operations.
Flashcard 7: What is the definition of strip mining?
Answer: Strip mining involves removing surface layers to extract minerals. This surface extraction method exposes large areas to environmental damage.
Flashcard 8: What is the main purpose of reclamation in mining?
Answer: Reclamation restores land after mining. Process involves replanting vegetation and rebuilding soil structure.
Flashcard 9: Which gas is a byproduct of coal mining?
Answer: Methane is a byproduct of coal mining. This greenhouse gas escapes from coal seams during extraction processes.
Flashcard 10: What is the definition of a tailings pond?
Answer: A tailings pond stores mining waste and byproducts. Contains leftover rock, chemicals, and water from ore processing operations.
Flashcard 11: Identify a key environmental concern with subsurface mining.
Answer: Groundwater contamination is a key concern with subsurface mining. Underground operations can introduce pollutants into water table systems.
Flashcard 12: What is the effect of mining on water quality?
Answer: Mining can lead to increased turbidity and pollution. Sediments and chemicals reduce water clarity and harm aquatic life.
Flashcard 13: What is the primary environmental impact of sand mining?
Answer: Sand mining leads to riverbank erosion. Removing sand destabilizes riverbanks and increases downstream flooding risk.
Flashcard 14: Identify a technique to prevent acid mine drainage.
Answer: Capping waste piles prevents oxidation and drainage. Covers prevent air and water contact that creates acidic conditions.
Flashcard 15: What is acid mine drainage?
Answer: Acid mine drainage is acidic water from mining sites. Forms when sulfide minerals react with oxygen and water, creating sulfuric acid.
Flashcard 16: Identify a key health risk for miners.
Answer: Silicosis is a key health risk for miners. Lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust particles underground.
Flashcard 17: Which mining method is associated with tailings ponds?
Answer: Open-pit mining is associated with tailings ponds. Large open excavations require ponds to store processed waste materials.
Flashcard 18: What is in-situ mining?
Answer: In-situ mining extracts minerals without removing the soil. Chemicals dissolve underground minerals without surface excavation or disturbance.
Flashcard 19: What is subsurface mining?
Answer: Subsurface mining involves extracting minerals from underground. Uses tunnels and shafts to access deep mineral deposits below ground.
Flashcard 20: What is the main objective of mine reclamation projects?
Answer: To restore ecosystems and land usability after mining. Returns degraded mining sites to productive ecological or agricultural use.
Flashcard 21: Identify a major environmental impact of strip mining.
Answer: Soil erosion is a major impact of strip mining. Removing vegetation and topsoil increases surface water runoff and sediment loss.
Flashcard 22: What is placer mining?
Answer: Placer mining involves extracting minerals from alluvial deposits. Uses water flow to separate heavy minerals from sand and gravel.
Flashcard 23: Identify a social challenge faced by mining communities.
Answer: Loss of traditional livelihoods is a social challenge. Fishing, farming, and hunting traditions become impossible after mining begins.
Flashcard 24: Which toxic element is often released during mining?
Answer: Mercury is often released during mining. Mercury is commonly found in coal and metal ores, released during processing.
Flashcard 25: What is the primary goal of sustainable mining practices?
Answer: Sustainable mining aims to reduce environmental impact. Balances economic benefits with ecological and social responsibility.
Flashcard 26: What is the main focus of the Clean Water Act in mining?
Answer: The Clean Water Act regulates water pollution from mining. Prevents contaminated runoff from entering streams and groundwater systems.
Flashcard 27: What is mountaintop removal mining?
Answer: Mountaintop removal mining involves blasting mountaintops to access coal. This extreme form of strip mining permanently alters landscape topography.
Flashcard 28: What is the primary cause of habitat destruction in mining?
Answer: Land clearing for mining operations causes habitat destruction. Removing vegetation and soil eliminates wildlife homes and food sources.
Flashcard 29: Identify a common land use conflict associated with mining.
Answer: Conflicts over land rights are common in mining areas. Indigenous and local communities often lose access to traditional territories.
Flashcard 30: Identify a technique used for land reclamation after mining.
Answer: Planting native vegetation is used in land reclamation. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and restore ecosystem functions.