Which of the following is a **major environmental impact** of surface mining?
D
Increased groundwater recharge
Analysis & Theory
Surface mining can lead to land degradation and even subsidence if not managed.
Mining activities can cause pollution of which natural resource?
Analysis & Theory
Mining can pollute air (dust, gases), water (effluents, acids), and soil (waste rock).
What is **acid mine drainage (AMD)**?
A
Acid used to clean mining tools
B
Natural neutralization of mine water
C
Acidic water from mines due to oxidation of sulfides
D
Fertilizer used in mines
Analysis & Theory
AMD forms when sulfide minerals like pyrite oxidize and release acid into nearby waters.
One of the **most visible impacts** of mining on forests is:
A
Increased growth of trees
B
Deforestation and habitat destruction
C
Reduction of natural fertilizers
D
Rise in groundwater table
Analysis & Theory
Mining leads to clearance of forest land and destroys habitats.
Which of the following is a **source of dust pollution** in mining?
A
Explosions and drilling
B
Truck movement on haul roads
C
Crushing and screening units
Analysis & Theory
Dust is generated from blasting, transportation, and ore processing.
Tailings from mines can lead to:
A
Improved soil fertility
C
Contamination of land and water bodies
D
Stronger foundations for construction
Analysis & Theory
Mine tailings often contain heavy metals and chemicals that pollute land and water.
Mining contributes to **global warming** through:
B
Release of CO₂ and methane during operations
Analysis & Theory
Mining releases greenhouse gases through machinery and land use change.
Which of the following **biodiversity impacts** results from mining?
B
Habitat fragmentation and loss
C
Pest control improvement
Analysis & Theory
Mining often leads to loss of natural habitats, displacing wildlife.
The process of **replanting trees** after mining is called:
Analysis & Theory
Reclamation involves restoring mined land, including planting trees and shaping terrain.
Illegal and unregulated mining can result in:
A
Enhanced employment with regulation
B
Improved community health
C
Severe environmental degradation and safety risks
D
Better mineral conservation
Analysis & Theory
Unregulated mining often leads to environmental harm and dangerous working conditions.
Open-cast mining results in which of the following environmental hazards?
C
Large-scale land degradation and visual scars
Analysis & Theory
Open-pit mines cause visible scars, erosion, and massive land use changes.
Noise pollution in mining is mainly due to:
Analysis & Theory
Blasting, drilling, and machinery contribute to noise that affects workers and wildlife.
Which of the following can help **reduce mining’s environmental impacts**?
A
Backfilling and land reclamation
B
Using water sprays to suppress dust
C
Proper waste rock disposal
Analysis & Theory
Multiple environmental control measures are needed to reduce mining impact.
One of the **main causes of water pollution** in mining is:
B
Sediment and chemical runoff from waste piles
D
Infiltration of clean rainwater
Analysis & Theory
Mine waste piles can leach harmful substances into surface and groundwater.
Mining often creates **abandoned lands** known as:
C
Mine voids or derelict lands
Analysis & Theory
Old mined-out areas left unrestored are called derelict lands or mine voids.