Formation of rock
were are metamorphic rocks found?
earths crust
What is mining?
This process involves removing minerals or rocks from the Earth’s surface by digging or blasting.
This type of pollution is caused by dust and emissions from mining machinery.
air pollution
What is reforestation (or land reclamation)?
Planting trees and grass on mined land.
What is sustainability?
Using only what is needed and saving resources for the future.
what is the rock cycle?
A representation of the changes between the three rock types and the process causing them.
What are surface mining and underground mining?
These two main types of mining differ by whether the material is removed from the surface or underground.
What is habitat destruction?
natural habitat damage, which affects plant and animal life can be caused by mining operations .
What is sustainable mining?
This practice ensures that mining doesn’t damage the environment beyond recovery.
name one way to reduce the demand for newly mined minerals.
recycling
name three examples of igneos rock?
granite, diorite, basalt
What is open-pit mining (or open-cast mining)?
open-pit mining is used when minerals are located in horizontal layers near the surface.
What is deforestation?
The large-scale removal of forest or trees from land, which is then converted to a non-forest use — such as agriculture, urban development, or mining.
What are environmental regulations (or laws/permits)?
rules set by governments or authorities to protect the environment from damage caused by human activities like mining, industry, or construction.
What is metal recycling?
involves turning old metal products into new ones instead of mining fresh ore.
What are the three types of rocks and their basic definition?
igneous rock - rock made during a volcanic process
metamorphic rock - a rock formed from exisiting rock by a combination of pressure and heat
sedimenty rock - a rock formed from material derived from the weathering of other rocks or the accumulation of dead plants and animals
Name two environmental impacts of large-scale mineral extraction?
What are deforestation, water pollution, air pollution, habitat destruction, or soil erosion? (Any two)
Give two ways that rock and mineral extraction can affect water systems in the area.
- Contamination of rivers/lakes with toxic chemicals
- Lowering of water tables due to excessive use of groundwater
(Any two correct impacts)
Name two specific ways mining companies can reduce their environmental footprint.
Using cleaner technology
Proper waste disposal
Water recycling
Covering trucks to reduce dust
(Any two acceptable)
Give two examples of how individuals or industries can promote the sustainable use of mineral resources.
Using alternative materials
Recycling construction waste
Using energy-efficient mining technologies
Reducing consumption
(Any two valid examples)
Name the process of which sedimentary frocks are formed?
particles are transported by streams and rivers and then deposited as sediments.
Layers of sediment are pressed together under the weight of overlying materials.
Minerals precipitate from water and fill the spaces between sediment particles, binding them together.
Explain how mining can lead to long-term socio-economic problems in local communities?
Mining can cause displacement of communities, create short-term employment followed by job loss when mines close, lead to health issues from pollution, and dependence on a single industry, harming sustainable development.
Explain one economic benefit and one long-term environmental cost of large-scale mineral extraction.
Economic benefit: Creates jobs, boosts local economy, increases export revenue
Environmental cost: Permanent landscape change, toxic waste, biodiversity loss, or ecosystem collapse
Explain two reason why enforcing environmental management in mining areas can be challenging in developing countries.
Weak government enforcement
Corruption
Lack of funding for inspections
Mining companies ignoring regulations due to lack of accountability
Explain why sustainable use of rocks and minerals is difficult to achieve on a global scale.
High global demand,
Economic dependence on mining in some countries,
Lack of global regulations,
Poor recycling infrastructure in developing nations