Which type of mining is likely the least harmful to the Environment?

a. Surface mining

b. Subsurface mining

c. Placer mining

d. None of the above

Answer: A) Surface mining

In general, it can be stated that in comparison with the variants described, surface mining has the least negative impact on the environment. There is no question that mining always has an impact on the environment; however, some styles or procedures like open pit mining, quarrying, strip mining, and mountaintop mining can control the amount of impact they have on the earth. In surface mining, both the layers of topsoil and overburden have to be stripped off to get to the mineral deposits and after mining it is easy to restore the site.

It is thus important to note that surface mining if done systematically and within the right standards can have little effect on the environment. For instance, in strip mining, enormous holes are dug to remove minerals that are visible on the surface of the earth. After that the used resources are taken away the waste material can be filled back into the pit. Large mining companies use measures such as dust control, water control, and revegetation to ensure that the land is returned to its earlier state upon which the mining took place. Thus, at some locations, it has been possible to transform former mining sites into, for example, recreation grounds or wildlife areas.

Underground mining, on the other hand, causes grievous effects of soil erosion, habitat destruction, and probable air and water pollution, the ill effects of mining are a little easier to control as compared to surface mining. Tunnelling and blasting are forms of underwater operations and are likely to cause unstable underground and subsequent subsidence. They also generate significantly more of this possibly hazardous waste by-product which needs suitable disposal. At the same time, it should be noted that the total environmental characteristics of the latter depend on gratitude for the type of mineral to be mined, the location and the technology of work. The safety of workers and neighbouring communities as well as environmental conservation in mining is very important.