Extraction of Rocks, Ores & Minerals (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management): Flashcards

Biological extraction is the use of living organisms to extract metals from ores.

Phytomining is a method in which plants absorb metal ions from the soil, then people harvest and burn the plants to get metal compounds from the ash.

False.

Biological extraction is a slow process, although it uses less energy than traditional mining.

Bioleaching is a method in which bacteria feed on the minerals in an ore and produce a solution containing metal ions.

Biological extraction can use low-grade ores that miners would otherwise waste.

Exploration is the search for areas where valuable minerals or rocks occur.

Modern exploration uses drilling, sampling and satellite surveys.

False.

If the deposit is too small or too deep, extraction may not be worthwhile.

Minerals in igneous or metamorphic rocks are harder to extract because hard or folded rocks cost more to mine than softer, layered sedimentary rocks.

Accessibility is how easy it is to reach a mining site.

Flat or gently sloping land is easier and cheaper to mine than steep or uneven terrain.

Ore grade is the concentration of the metal or mineral in the rock.

False.

Low-grade ores produce less metal and need more processing, which raises costs.

In a wet climate, heavy rainfall can cause flooding in open pits or underground tunnels.

A dry climate can create dust pollution, which harms air quality and health.

An Environmental Impact Assessment is a study that takes place before a project starts to understand how it will affect land, water, air, plants and animals.

If the EIA predicts severe damage, the government may limit or refuse extraction.

High demand and low supply make a mineral most profitable to extract.

False.

If demand falls or alternative materials replace the mineral, mining may stop because it is no longer profitable.

A mining project will not go ahead if its costs are greater than its expected profits.

Mining removes large areas of vegetation and topsoil, which destroys habitats and so reduces biodiversity.

False.

Recovery is slow because mining often removes or contaminates the soil and nutrients.

Mining machinery and vehicles release carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

Dust from blasting, digging and transporting materials causes air pollution around mines.

Land pollution from mining happens when mines dump waste rock and chemicals on the ground, which can make soil infertile.

False.

Noise from blasting, drilling and heavy machinery also affects local wildlife and nearby communities.

Acid mine drainage happens when rainwater reacts with exposed rock, releasing acids and metals into water sources.

Visual pollution comes from large mines and waste heaps, which change the landscape and spoil natural scenery.

Mining uses large amounts of water for cooling, processing and dust control, which leaves less water for people, animals and farming.

Tailings are the leftover materials from ore once processing has removed the valuable minerals.

Mines can reduce the risk by storing tailings in properly lined and managed waste ponds.

Mining increases exports and generates tax revenue for the government.

Mining towns can suffer unemployment once resources run out or demand for the mineral falls.

False.

Profits may go to foreign companies rather than local communities.

Mining jobs can need skilled workers, and local people may lack the right skills or training.

Mining profits can increase inequality when unfair sharing of the money widens the gap between rich and poor.

Mining companies often build roads, housing and power supplies.

False.

Rapid population growth puts pressure on existing services such as water, health care and education.

Land restoration is the process of returning damaged land to a useful or natural condition after mining, so it is safe, stable and suitable for future use.

Replacing the overburden fills the hole and reshapes the land, returning it to its original shape and preventing erosion.

To improve compacted, nutrient-poor soil after mining, restoration teams add fertilisers, organic matter and topsoil.

Bioremediation is the use of living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi or plants, to remove pollutants such as heavy metals or oil residues from soil or water.

Tree roots stabilise the soil, which reduces erosion and helps return nutrients to the soil.

False.

Replanting native species helps wildlife return and increases biodiversity.

Land repurposing is giving restored land a new function that benefits people or nature.

A deep open-pit mine becomes a lake when the pit fills naturally with rainwater or groundwater.

A full landfill site can become green space or parkland.

Nature reserves protect biodiversity and provide environmental education opportunities.

False.

Reducing long-term environmental damage can save money on future clean-up costs.

Restored land can create income through farming, tourism or recreation.

Artificial lakes can become contaminated if leftover chemicals remain in the ground.

After mining, restored soil may not fully return to its original fertility.

Land restoration is costly because it involves reshaping land, treating polluted soil and water and planting vegetation.

False.

Companies may avoid full restoration to save money unless laws require it.

Disagreement among local people about repurposing can lead to conflict or delays.

False.

Restored land may not provide as many jobs as mining once did.