Question 16 (4 points)
which of the following statements about the impact of surface and underground
mining of minerals is correct?
o a) underground mining is just as disruptive to the surface as strip and open-pit
mining
ob) precipitation seeping through piles of waste rock taken from strip and open
pit mines can dissolve toxic metals and other chemicals that can then flow
into nearby rivers and streams.
c) strip and open-pit mining disturbs large areas of earth's surface.
d) all of the above

d) All of the above.  Mining would have serious environmental impact irrespective of whether it is surface or underground mining.

Explanation:

The rain water may percolate through the piles of waste materials and rocks near a surface mining sites. This facilitates the contamination of nearby river and streams with toxic elements dissolved in rain water while percolating. Underground mining enhances the process of percolation. Thus rendering drinking water contaminated. Sinks and loopholes are evident here and there near the site of mining which may proves dangerous if the loopholes is formed on road or any travelling surface. It could also disrupt the base of any construction and engulf large earth surface areas.