Environmental Impacts of Mining | AQA A-Level Environmental Science Revision | Primrose Kitten

Which type of mining will cause the most habitat loss?

Surface mining e.g. open cast.

Directional drilling

Method to access minerals without disturbing habitats, used for certain minerals like oil and gas. Drill can move horizontally as well as vertically

Causes and impacts of dust pollution

Caused by explosions and machinery, affecting plant photosynthesis and animal respiratory health.

Causes and impacts of noise pollution

Caused by mine vehicles and explosives, impacting animal behavior and human well-being.

Causes and impacts of greenhouse gas release

Result from fossil fuel combustion in machinery, contributing to global warming and air pollution.

Causes and impacts of traffic congestion

Caused by large lorries, leading to habitat fragmentation and increased vulnerability of populations.

Spoil heaps

Accumulations of waste material from mining, including the overburden.

Acid mine drainage

Formed from precipitation through spoil heaps. The leachate is acidic so readily dissolves heavy metals in the spoil making it toxic.

Hydrology design

Consideration of water runoff and flooding risks, requiring drainage systems and collection lagoons.

Causes and impacts of turbid water

Caused by suspended solids in mine water, leading to reduced light intensity and plant death.

Subsidence

Ground slipping above the mine, causing minor structural damage, addressed through compaction and support pillars.

Water sprays

Sprays dust particles to increase density so they fall to the ground, reducing mobility

Baffle mounds

Placed around a mine site to absorb noise pollution

Why might trees be planted on a spoil heap?

Increase stability and make it more aesthetically pleasing

Mine site restoration

New uses may be found for sites used previously for mining or mineral processing e.g. Eden Project Cornwall