Mining and Environmental Impacts Quiz

Mining conducted on the surface, with removal of ore via an open pit.

Process where suspended solids in water settle out due to gravity, often causing water pollution.

Requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions.

Global industry organization working to improve sustainable development performance in mining.

Restoration of land impacted by mining activities to its original state or to a condition suitable for other uses.

Clearing of forests to make way for mining activities, leading to habitat loss.

Use of cyanide solution to dissolve and extract metals from ore heaps.

Iron sulfide minerals oxidize in water, producing acidic conditions and leaching iron into water bodies.

The sinking or settling of the ground above mined areas, leading to land instability.

Acidic water can dissolve toxic metals, which are then released into the environment.

Residual materials left over after the extraction of valuable minerals, often containing toxic elements.

An international treaty aimed at reducing mercury pollution, with implications for mining practices.

Use of biological processes to remove or neutralize contaminants from a polluted area.

Reintroduction of vegetation to a previously mined or disturbed area to restore ecological balance.

Surface mining technique involving the removal of mountaintops to access coal seams.