Physical Geography

Read over the "handouts" to find the answers to the questions below.

"Environmental Impacts of Mining"

1.    When beginning to consider the environmental impacts of the mining industry, why is it incorrect to think of the mine site in isolation?
2.    What are the conditions that are necessary for reducing the negative environmental impacts of mining?
3.    When does the primary environmental damage occur? Why is this of particular concern?
4.    How does the amount of waste rock generated each year compare to the amount of solid waste generated in urban places?
5.    In what other ways does the mining industry indirectly have an impact on the environment?
6.    List the developmental stages of mining, 2 potential activities, and 2 environmental issues for each stage.

"Acid Mine Damage"

1.    Why do industry, labour, government, and environmentalists agree that acid mine damage "is the number one
 environmental problem facing the mining industry"?
2.    How does acid mine damage occur and what impacts does it have?
3.    Can acid damage occur naturally?
4.    What single factor controls the amount of acid mine damage?
5.    Is this a problem that "goes away" with time?

"Mineral Exploration"

1.    What is the ratio of exploration programs to successful mines in Canada?
2.    Why is this of concern with respect to the environment?

"Mineral Efficiency"

1.    How can increased "mineral efficiency" lead to reduced environmental impacts in the mining industry?

"Water"

1.    Read the page and identify some of the ways that the mining industry has a negative impact on water supplies and sources.
2.    What has happened to mining in recent years that has caused the amount of mine waste (and therefore water pollution) to increase dramtically?

"Roads"

1.    What are the four ways that mining roads can have an impact on the environment?

"Wildlife"

1.    What are the two keys things that can be done (in general terms) to reduce the impact of mining on wildlife?

"Taking Action"

1.    Summarize in your own words what the author of this page suggests the individual can do to reduce the environmental impact of the mining industry.

"Labour and Environmental Mining"

1.    What is 'mine reclamation'?
2.    What type of policies and systems can be incorporated into environmentally managing a mine.
3.     Do some research on the recent (Jan. 2006) mining disaster in West Virginia and write a brief one page report, answering the following questions:
        a. Where was the mine located (more than just West Virginia)?
        b. What mineral was or is being mined? How was this mineral being mined?
        c. What was the disaster - what happened?
        d. What impact does a disaster like this have on the mining town?