Define overburden, spoils, and open-pit mining. Define strip mining and distinguish among area strip mining, contour strip mining, and mountaintop removal. Describe the harmful effects of mining. What is smelting and what are its major harmful environmental effects?
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Answer:
All mining operations have a disruptive effect on the environment, but the sheer volume of material involved in strip mining makes the impact on the environment especially acute. Surface mining (another name for "strip mining") can severely erode the soil or reduce its fertility; pollute waters or drain underground water reserves; scar or altar the landscape; damage roads, homes, and other structures; and destroy wildlife. The dust and particles from mining roads, stockpiles, and lands disturbed by mining are a significant source of air pollution. In order to participate effectively in controlling the abuses of strip mining, it is important to understand the basic techniques of surface mining and the types of environmental damage that can result.