Social and Economic Impacts of Mining

What is mineral extraction?

• The process of growing minerals on trees.

• The removal of rocks and minerals from the Earth's crust.

• The creation of new landforms through volcanic activity.

• The study of how landforms are made.

Which of the following best describes non-renewable resources?

• Resources that can be easily replaced within a human's lifetime.

• Resources that are found only in trace amounts and are inexpensive to extract.

• Resources that renew over millions of years and have a limited supply.

• Resources that are primarily used for fuel and are abundant globally.

What is a common social and economic pattern observed in areas with mining operations?

• High-wage, safe jobs with many alternative employment opportunities.

• Low-wage, risky work in isolated areas with limited other job opportunities.

• Rapid environmental recovery and increased local wealth.

• Strong community control over mining profits and environmental protection.

Why are minerals like lithium and cobalt considered strategic mineral resources?

• They are easy to extract and found in abundance worldwide.

• They are critical for national security and economic strength.

• They are primarily used in agricultural fertilizers.

• They are renewable resources that replenish quickly.

What was the economic situation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) shortly after gaining independence in 1960?

• A highly industrialized economy.

• A mostly primary economy with denied human rights.

• A thriving service-based economy.

• An economy focused on advanced technology.

What are some of the main reasons for the ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

• Disputes over fishing rights and water resources.

• Ethnic conflicts and distrust between local communities and the central government.

• Religious differences and disagreements over trade routes.

• Border disputes with neighboring countries and lack of tourism.

What are some negative consequences of illegal mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

• Increased government revenue and improved worker safety.

• Funding of militant groups, worker abuse, and exposure to toxic materials.

• Development of new infrastructure and better education for miners.

• Reduced environmental impact and fair wages for all workers.

What is an "externality" in the context of electronic waste (e-waste)?

• A product feature that makes it more expensive.

• A hidden cost, like environmental cleanup, not included in the product's price.

• The process of recycling electronic components.

• The profit made from selling refurbished electronics.