Understanding Mining's Environmental Impact

What is one of the primary environmental impacts of mining mentioned in the text?

• Increased biodiversity

• Increased erosion

• Decreased sediment

• Improved air quality

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Which law was enacted partly in response to the California Gold Rush of 1849?

• Mineral Leasing Act of 1920

• Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

• General Mining Law of 1872

• Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Explain how mining can lead to water pollution.

• Mining increases the oxygen levels in water, which is harmful to aquatic life.

• Mining exposes rocks to air, leading to acid drainage that pollutes water bodies.

• Mining reduces the temperature of water bodies, affecting aquatic ecosystems.

• Mining increases the salinity of water, making it unsuitable for consumption.

What is the main purpose of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977?

• To promote mining activities in national parks

• To ensure coal mining companies reclaim land after mining

• To increase the number of mining jobs

• To reduce the cost of mining operations

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

Describe one way in which air pollution is caused by mining activities.

• Mining increases the humidity in the air, leading to pollution.

• Mining releases metal particles into the atmosphere.

• Mining decreases the carbon dioxide levels in the air.

• Mining increases the oxygen levels in the air.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

What is a potential impact of undersea mining mentioned in the text?

• Increased land erosion

• Destruction of unexplored habitats

• Improved water quality

• Decreased demand for minerals

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

How does the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 differ from the General Mining Law of 1872?

• It governs the mining of metallic minerals.

• It governs the leasing of public lands for fossil fuels.

• It promotes mining in national parks.

• It prohibits mining on all public lands.

What is one social impact of mining on communities?

• Increased access to clean water

• Decreased job opportunities

• Negative effects on people living in surrounding areas

• Improved air quality

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

Explain why recycling minerals is important according to the text.

• It increases the demand for new mining operations.

• It helps extend the lifetimes of mineral resources.

• It decreases the cost of mining operations.

• It reduces the need for environmental regulations.

What is pneumoconiosis, as mentioned in the text?

• A type of water pollution

• A disease caused by inhaling coal dust

• A method of mining regulation

• A process of mineral recycling