Understanding Mining Study Guide

Extraction

Complete the following table (Do not try to fit the answers in the small space)

Mining Extraction Methods / Description / Ecological Problems
1.  Open pit mining
2.  Strip mining
3.  Placer mining
4.  Shaft mining
5.  Mountain Top Removal
6.  In-situ/solution mining
7.  Overburden
8.  Acid mine drainage
9.  Tailings

Processing

10.  What is Ore (high grade/low grade)?

11.  Describe Smelting (Use the following terms in your explanation: flux, coke, limestone, charcoal, slag)
http://www.pollutionissues.com/Re-Sy/Smelting.html Article

12.  Describe the Heap-Leach extraction method.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apD5cPVsDjc&feature=related 4:49

13.  Describe the source of Tailings and how they damage the environment

14.  Watch the following video and comment on the General Mining Law of 1872

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYWVqDLJCoo&feature=related 6min

Other Environmental Issues

For questions 13-20 use the PDF: Mineral Chapter 356-372 linked to the homework downloads

15.  List 5 ways energy is used in mining.

16.  Why does mining use so much water? What does it use the water for?

17.  How does a mine contribute to Surface water and Aquifer contamination?

18.  What is one creative way to clean up mining site pollution?

19.  What is the name of the international treaty that was created to regulate mining and resource extraction in Antarctica?

20.  What is the name of the international treaty that was created to regulate mining and resource extraction in international ocean waters?

21.  What is “Mineral substitution” give and example and explain how it helps the environment?

22.  Describe three methods that will help reduce the need to mine for minerals and thereby reduce the damage to the environment?

For Questions 21-24 read the PDF: CollapseMining452-468 linked to the homework downloads

23.  How does bankruptcy increase the environmental harm caused by mining?

24.  If companies do not pay to clean up environmental damage from mining, who pays for the clean up?

25.  What is the name of the law that designates toxic mine sites and tries to collect money to clean them?

26.  Comment on the success of the Superfund Law (CERCLA) and its design to protect the tax payers from mining clean up costs.

Watch the following video and answer the question below http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO7eLkTM-0Y 4:14

27.  What is the relationship between salmon and gold in Bristol Bay, Alaska?

Reclamation

28.  What is the difference between Restoration and Reclamation?

http://www.onearth.org/blog/reclamation-restoration-and-mountaintop-removal Blog

Laws

29.  Describe the 1872 Mining Law and explain how it has created problems for the environment.

30.  What is required by The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uq7YI8AHnQ 3:54

31.  Why has it not been very successful?

32.  Use following link to list 3 arguments in favor and three against the United States ratifying the UNCLOS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_non-ratification_of_the_UNCLOS Wikipedia