Mining Methods and Environmental Impacts

What is the process called when miners dig shafts deep into the ground to reach buried ore?

Which type of mining involves the removal of large areas of soil to reach ore near the surface?

In which method of fossil fuel extraction are liquid fuels forced out of rocks using high-pressure water, chemicals, and sand?

What is the primary environmental impact of mountaintop removal mining?

Which fossil fuel is extracted by drilling wells into the ground to reach underground reservoirs?

Which type of mining uses water to separate minerals from sediment?

Fracking is primarily used to extract coal from deep underground.

Open-pit mining is less damaging to the environment compared to subsurface mining.

What are the potential environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing (fracking)?

Subsurface mining: Miners dig shafts deep into the earth to reach buried ore deposits.
Open-pit mining: Large areas of soil are removed to access ore near the surface.
Hydraulic fracturing (Fracking): High-pressure water, chemicals, and sand are used to force oil and gas out of rock formations.
Placer mining: Water is used to separate minerals from sediment.

Mountaintop removal mining: Leads to widespread destruction of ecosystems, water contamination, and air pollution.
Fracking: Potential environmental impacts include groundwater contamination, small earthquakes, and increased methane emissions.

Natural gas: Extracted by drilling wells into underground reservoirs.
Coal: Extracted through various methods, including surface mining, subsurface mining, and mountaintop removal.
Oil shale: A rock formation containing oil that can be extracted through mining and processing.
Tar sands: Sand deposits containing oil that can be extracted through mining and processing.