Case Study: Mining

At what point do the costs of mining outweigh the benefits?

• When the environmental impact is too high

• When the cost of extraction exceeds the market value of the resource

• When the demand for the resource decreases

• When new regulations increase operational costs

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

Based on the passage, coltan is significant in the context of cell phones because:

• it is a rare earth metal used in the production of electronic components.

• it is a type of plastic used in phone casings.

• it is a software used for mobile applications.

• it is a type of battery used in cell phones.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

The impact of the coltan trade on the Democratic Republic of the Congo is described in the passage as:

• Beneficial for economic growth

• Detrimental to the environment and society

• Neutral with no significant impact

• A catalyst for technological advancement

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

According to the passage, what actions were taken by soldiers and bandits in relation to coltan mining?

• They protected the mining sites.

• They taxed the miners and controlled the trade.

• They ignored the mining activities.

• They provided equipment for mining.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

What were the economic effects of the global demand for tantalum in the 1990s as mentioned in the passage?

• Increased prices and economic growth in producing countries

• Decreased prices and economic decline in producing countries

• No significant economic impact

• Increased prices but economic decline in producing countries

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

On March 12, 1994, what event woke up the residents of Cuylerville, NY?

• A) A 3.6 magnitude earthquake

• B) A flood

• C) A tornado

• D) A fire

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

The main consequence of the Retsof Salt Mine collapse was:

• Environmental damage

• Economic loss

• Loss of life

• Infrastructure damage

The mine collapse affected the region's water supply by:

• contaminating it with hazardous materials

• increasing its availability

• having no impact

• improving its quality

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

In what year did a former employee of the Retsof mine open a new mine?

• 1994

• 1997

• 2001

• 2005

What are the concerns associated with the new mine according to Viewpoint 1?

• Environmental impact

• Economic benefits

• Social disruption

• Technological advancement

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-6