Mining Techniques and Environmental Impact

Questions and Answers

What determines the color of a mineral?

The weight of the mineral compared to water

The type of light hitting the mineral

The arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice (correct)

The type of mineral alone

Which term describes the color of a mineral in its powdered form?

Streak (correct)

Opacity

Specific Gravity

Luster

What does luster refer to in the context of minerals?

The mineral's ability to reflect light (correct)

The mineral's resistance to heat

The strength of the mineral's structure

The color of the mineral

How is specific gravity of a mineral defined?

The ratio of the weight of the mineral to the weight of an equal volume of water Signup and view all the answers

What property measures a mineral's resistance to scratches?

Hardness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of drilling in mining?

To determine the ore’s size, shape, and grade distribution Signup and view all the answers

What does modeling in mining operations focus on?

Considering social and environmental impacts Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the milling process in mining?

Crushing and concentration of ores Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant environmental concern associated with waste produced during mining?

Improperly managed waste can lead to serious environmental problems Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of mine site decommissioning involve?

Cleaning up and reclaiming the mine site for other purposes Signup and view all the answers

In mining, what is the ratio of useful mineral to waste during the extraction of copper?

1% useful mineral and 99% waste Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of separating high-grade ores from a deposit?

To maximize the efficiency of mineral extraction Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world's energy consumption in 2000 was attributed to petroleum?

38% Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of operations in the mining process?

Drilling, Milling, Ore Extraction, Decommissioning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following energy sources produces the least amount of pollutants when used?

Natural Gas Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant environmental impact of hydroelectric energy production?

Destruction of farmlands Signup and view all the answers

Which energy source is characterized by a low energy potential relative to others?

Biomass Signup and view all the answers

What disadvantage is associated with solar power technology?

High economic costs for setup Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable consequence of coal usage?

Contributes to soil toxicity Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of biomass energy can involve harmful byproducts?

Toxic residues from societal waste Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge associated with solar power usage?

Limited geographic applicability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following energy sources is renewable?

Biomass Signup and view all the answers

What is a common disadvantage of using fossil fuels like oil and coal?

Production of solid waste and pollutants Signup and view all the answers

What is one major benefit of mining in terms of energy resources?

Mining results in the extraction of raw materials for energy use. Signup and view all the answers

How does mining contribute to the development of social amenities?

It facilitates the development of social services like schools and healthcare. Signup and view all the answers

What negative environmental impact can result from mining activities?

Contamination of soil and groundwater. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does mining spur economic growth?

By selling mined materials and creating job opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a technological advancement in the mining sector?

Advanced mining tools for creating underground tunnels. Signup and view all the answers

What does proper management in mining aim to protect?

Environmental impacts through rehabilitation programs. Signup and view all the answers

Which consequence can result from improper mining practices?

Natural calamities like landslides and floods. Signup and view all the answers

How can mining negatively affect aquatic life?

Through contamination of water from mining zones. Signup and view all the answers

What is one major environmental impact of mining activities mentioned?

Contamination of water sources by acids Signup and view all the answers

Which practice can help minimize the environmental effects of tailings from mining?

Zoning tailings areas and surrounding them with vegetation Signup and view all the answers

What does the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 primarily aim to achieve?

Establish rules and regulations for mining practices Signup and view all the answers

How does mining activity impact local economies?

Encourages job creation and boosts business activities Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the aims of Executive Order 79, Series of 2012?

To strengthen environmental protection provisions Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of mining is highlighted as needing careful planning?

Site planning from exploration to rehabilitation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices does NOT contribute to environmental protection in mining?

Mining without any regulations Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of modern technology in mining mentioned in the content?

It allows for more efficient extraction of minerals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Drilling and Modelling

Drilling determines the ore’s size, shape, and grade distribution for suitable mining methods.
Modelling incorporates social and environmental considerations, aiming to restore the area to its original state post-mining.

Mine Design and Construction

Appropriate mine and operational designs are created before acquiring necessary permits for construction.
Ore extraction involves the separation of high-grade ores, followed by crushing and concentration, resulting in waste material.

Milling and Mine Site Decommissioning

Milling processes release waste materials, necessitating proper management to mitigate environmental impacts.
Decommissioning includes cleanup and reclamation of depleted mine sites for alternate uses.

Physical Properties of Minerals

Minerals consist of one or more chemical elements with specific compositions and crystal structures.
Key physical properties include:
- Color: Depends on atomic arrangement and light reflection.
- Streak: Color of the mineral in powdered form.
- Luster: Describes the mineral's opacity and transparency.
- Specific Gravity: Ratio of mineral weight to equivalent water weight; notable examples include copper (8.9) and gold (19).
- Hardness: Resistance to scratches or abrasions affects by chemical composition and crystalline structure.

Energy Sources and Environmental Impact

Non-Renewable Sources:
- Oil: 38% of global consumption in 2000; major pollutant.
- Natural Gas: 20% of consumption; cleaner than oil and coal.
- Coal: Key for electricity but produces significant pollutants.
Renewable Sources:
- Biomass: Low energy potential; emissions when burned.
- Hydro-electric: Low cost but high startup; risks to lands and communities.
- Solar Power: High initial cost; clean but relies on geographic and climatic conditions.

Environmental Risks from Mining

Heavy metal wastes can poison soil, causing toxicity in plant growth.
Water sources may become contaminated, impacting local ecosystems.
Examples of negative impacts in the Philippines include damage to mangroves and impaired agriculture.

Mitigation Strategies in Mining

Technological advancements enhance mineral extraction, reducing waste.
Mining operations should plan from exploration to rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation efforts must restore displaced communities.
Secure tailings to minimize environmental seepage.
Implement practices like reforestation and erosion control.

Regulations

Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942): Establishes rules for mining operations while promoting environmental protection.
Executive Order (EO) 79 (2012): Strengthens mining regulations on environmental protection and waste management.

Benefits of Mining

Job creation and attraction of professionals boost local economies.
Increases business activity and per capita income, raising the Human Development Index.
Provides essential energy resources like oil and minerals.
Infrastructure development occurs through improved transportation opportunities.
Technological advancements improve mining safety and environmental management.

Negative Consequences of Mining

Water pollution from chemicals contaminates groundwater and waterways.
Deforestation occurs as lands are cleared for mining operations, contributing to climate change.
Improper mining practices can lead to natural disasters such as landslides.
Contaminated water adversely affects aquatic life, impacting biodiversity.

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Description

Explore the essential techniques in drilling and modeling within the mining industry. This quiz assesses your understanding of how drilling determines ore characteristics and considers the social and environmental implications of mining practices. Test your knowledge of these critical topics in modern mining.