Question

consider what you know about the cycling of earth’s materials, including minerals and water. how do you think mining alters the natural amount of minerals present on earth? how do you think mining could also affecting the surrounding environment?

Explanation:

Mining extracts minerals from the Earth's crust, reducing their natural amounts. It also disrupts ecosystems, causes soil erosion, and can contaminate water sources through chemical runoff and waste - disposal.

Answer:

Mining reduces the natural amount of minerals on Earth as it extracts them from the ground. It can affect the surrounding environment by causing habitat destruction, soil erosion, water pollution (from chemical runoff and waste - disposal), and air pollution (from dust and emissions during mining operations).