Question

1. for each of the following mining methods, explain the reason for its use and give an advantage and disadvantage: (a) surface mining: (b) subsurface mining:

Explanation:

(a) Surface mining

• Reason for use: Ore deposits are near the Earth’s surface, making extraction easier and cheaper than subsurface methods for shallow deposits (e.g., coal, sand, gravel).
• Advantage: Lower cost and simpler extraction (access to ore is direct, less complex equipment needed).
• Disadvantage: Severe environmental damage (habitat destruction, soil erosion, water pollution from runoff).

• Reason for use: Ore deposits are deep underground (too costly to remove overlying rock via surface mining). Used for metals like gold, diamonds, or deep coal seams.
• Advantage: Less surface environmental impact (preserves topsoil/habitat) and access to deep, high - grade ores.
• Disadvantage: Higher cost (complex tunnels/shafts, specialized equipment), safety risks (collapses, gas explosions), and long - term health issues (e.g., black lung from coal dust).

Answer:

• Use Reason: Ore is shallow (near Earth’s surface).
• Advantage: Lower cost, simpler extraction.
• Disadvantage: Heavy environmental damage (habitat loss, erosion).

(b) Subsurface mining