Mineral Resources: Earth's Rocks Recycling Process

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What is the primary purpose of surface mining?

To remove shallow deposits by taking out overburden first (correct)

To extract mineral deposits from deep underground

To preserve the natural topography of the land

To use heat and chemicals to extract ore minerals

What are the harmful environmental effects of removing metals from ores?

Air pollution and loss of rivers and streams (correct)

Decreased biodiversity and increased smelting efficiency

Increased aquatic life diversity and groundwater stability

Scarring of the land surface and ground disruption

Which mining method involves using cyanide salt to extract gold from its ore, leading to environmental hazards?

Contour strip mining

Mountaintop removal (correct)

Subsurface mining

Open-pit mining

What is the main reason for the scarring and disruption of land surfaces as a result of mining?

Formation of spoils banks Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ore contains a profitable concentration of a mineral?

High-grade ore Signup and view all the answers

What is the major concern related to subsurface mining that can lead to acid mine drainage?

Groundwater disruption and subsidence Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to improve mining technology mentioned in the text?

Employing microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

How can mineral resources be used more sustainably according to the text?

Recycle and reuse minerals Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the Nanotechnology Revolution discussed in the text?

Utilizing tiny tech Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT suggested in the text as a way to use mineral resources more sustainably?

Increasing resource waste Signup and view all the answers

What is one drawback mentioned in the text concerning high-strength plastics?

They contribute to pollution Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary initiative of the Pollution Prevention Pays program by 3M company?

Reducing hazardous chemicals and pollution Signup and view all the answers

What are the three major types of rocks found in the Earth's crust?

Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rock forms below or at Earth's surface from magma?

Granite Signup and view all the answers

What is the main environmental effect of extracting and using mineral resources?

Land disturbance Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rock is formed by sediments from eroded rocks or plant/animal remains?

Sandstone Signup and view all the answers

What process slowly recycles the three major types of rocks found in the Earth's crust?

Erosion, melting, and metamorphism Signup and view all the answers

What type of rock results from a preexisting rock subjected to high pressures and high temperatures?

Marble Signup and view all the answers

What are the environmental impacts of extracting a mineral resource as we get closer to depleting it?

The impacts generally become more harmful. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to an increase in the supply of a scarce mineral resource?

Raising the price of the mineral. Signup and view all the answers

What are some ways to deal with economically depleted mineral resources?

Recycle or reuse existing supplies. Signup and view all the answers

What impact can market prices have on nonrenewable minerals?

Market prices can cause supplies to increase or decrease. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the U.S. General Mining Law of 1872?

To promote mineral exploration and mining on public lands. Signup and view all the answers

What are some factors that limit the mining of lower-grade ores?

Availability of freshwater and environmental impact. Signup and view all the answers