Metal Ore Extraction
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 10.1.10
Metal Ore Extraction
Metal ores are a finite resource and the availability of metal ores is rapidly decreasing. Mining is the traditional method used to extract ores from the ground, but this process causes significant environmental damage:
Habitat destruction
- Habitats are destroyed by mining.
- The destruction of habitats threatens biodiversity.
Pollution
- Mining creates a lot of noise and air pollution.
Landscape scars
- Large mounds of rock are left behind, scarring the landscape.
Test yourself on Metal Ore Extraction
Why is habitat destruction caused by mining a serious environmental problem?
The supply of metal ores is...
Why is the mining of metal ore considered doubly damaging, affecting both resources and the environment?
What is likely to happen to the supply of metal ore if mining continues at its current rate?
What is the key difference between the habitat destruction and landscape scarring caused by mining?