All Flashcards
Define 'overburden' in mining.
The soil and rock removed to reach the minerals.
Define 'tailings/slag' in mining.
Leftover materials after mineral extraction.
Define 'waste rock' in mining.
Rock removed that doesn't contain valuable minerals.
What is heap leaching?
Extracts minerals using chemical solutions to dissolve and collect them from piles of ore.
What is the environmental significance of mining waste?
Mining waste contains toxic substances that can leach into soil and water, causing contamination and land degradation.
Explain the concept of land degradation in mining.
Storing mining waste degrades land, destroys natural landscapes, and disrupts ecosystems.
What is the significance of water contamination in mining?
Mining activities, especially coal mining, can contaminate water supplies with pollutants and dust, affecting water quality and human health.
What is the significance of overburden?
Overburden removal exposes the earth and can lead to habitat destruction and soil erosion.
What are the worker hazards associated with deep mining?
Deep mining operations are expensive and dangerous for workers due to risks of accidents, collapses, and exposure to toxic substances.
Define overburden.
The soil and rock removed to reach minerals during mining.
Define tailings.
Leftover materials after mineral extraction.
Define waste rock.
Rock removed during mining that doesn't contain valuable minerals.
What is heap leaching?
Extracting minerals using chemical solutions to dissolve and collect them from piles of ore.