Type Of Least Harmful Mining

Which Type Of Mining Is Likely The Least Harmful To The Environment?

A) Strip mining
B) Mountaintop removal mining
C) Subsurface mining
D) Open-pit mining

Correct Answer: C)

Subsurface mining

Explanation 

Among all the given options, subsurface mining is the one that would prove least harmful to the environment. After all, it disturbs the least of the surface area and causes relatively less environmental damage. Since it takes mining below the surface, it reduces deforestation, air pollution, habitat destruction, and soil erosion a lot.

Why Not the Other Options:

• A) Strip mining
  ➔ Strip mining removes a significant amount of surface land to access the mineral deposits. As such, it poses a significant risk for deforestation, land erosion, and habitat loss.
  
  
• B) Mountaintop removal mining
  ➔ This method involves blasting the tops of mountains, which can bury streams, destroy ecosystems, and alter landscapes irreversibly.
  
  
• D) Open-pit mining
  ➔ Involves creating vast surface pits to mine the minerals. It can easily result in toxic runoff, air pollution, and permanent landscape damage.

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Detailed questions regarding the subsurface mining topic

Q1. What are the major environmental risks of subsurface mining?

There are also many environmental risks of subsurface mining. The major ones include groundwater pollution, air pollution, and land sinking issues. 

Q2. Why is surface mining more harmful than subsurface mining?

Surface mining requires a larger ground than subsurface mining. This means that for such mining, you would need to clear a large land, resulting in deforestation and habitat loss. Moreover, being so close to the surface can result in a high amount of air and noise pollution. 

Q3. Can subsurface mining still impact biodiversity?

Yes, subsurface mining can also impact biodiversity. Although it doesn't do so directly, it can result in groundwater flow changes and pollution that still impact biodiversity. 

Q4. What role does reclamation play in reducing mining’s impact?

Reclamation is a process of restoring the mined land back to its original state. It is a legal requirement in many areas as it would make the land reusable. However, its effectiveness depends on the area, the mining types, among various aspects.  

Q5. How do mining companies reduce their environmental footprint today?

They use water recycling, dust suppression, monitoring systems, and greener technologies to minimize pollution and land disturbance. They would use efficient methods for water and energy management to make the area reusable as early as possible. 

Q6. Is any type of mining truly “sustainable”?

Mining cannot truly be sustainable as every resource it uses has a finite quantity, and no matter what type it might be, the environmental impact will be there. However, with technological advancements and better management, the impact on the environment can be reduced. 

Q7. What is one future alternative to traditional mining methods?

Asteroid mining and reusing the minerals from the urban items as a way of scavenging are upcoming alternatives to traditional mining methods.