Question

which statement is true about environmental risks of underground mining? (1 point) underground mining reduces the risk of release of dangerous gases. underground mining increases risk of land collapse and sinkholes. underground mining causes vast amounts of surface land to be destroyed. underground mining causes high risk for issues with dust and particulate matter.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: Underground mining can actually trap and increase the risk of dangerous gas release (e.g., methane), so this is false.
• Option 2: When underground mining removes large volumes of material, the overlying land can lose support, leading to collapse and sinkholes. This is a known environmental risk of underground mining.
• Option 3: Surface land destruction is more associated with surface mining (like open - pit mining) rather than underground mining, so this is false.
• Option 4: Dust and particulate matter issues are more prominent in surface mining operations (e.g., open - pit mining, coal mining on the surface) as underground mining is more enclosed, so this is false.

Answer:

B. Underground mining increases risk of land collapse and sinkholes.