Discuss one or more ways that people could reduce the impact of mineral resource extraction
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Answer:
Minerals and the environment
Minerals are non–renewable natural resources that are vital for the construction, manufacturing and energy industries. The aim of sustainable mineral development is to ensure mineral use is kept to a minimum amount without having a negative impact on economic growth. This is achieved by efficient use of minerals as well as recycling and the use of alternative materials.
Also, it is important that the natural environment is protected from damage that may be caused by mineral extraction. This will help maintain biodiversity and ensure that contamination is not a problem for future generations. The negative impacts of mineral extraction includes unsightly workings, mineral waste piles and pollution from acidic water containing heavy metals.
Mineral planning at local, regional, national and EU level ensures the environment is protected and that resources are used sustainably. Recycling, reuse, and conservation of energy and mineral resources are important in achieving these goals.
Planning
In the UK, the planning system takes account of all legislation, policy and guidance. The aim is to supply minerals required for industry and construction at the least social, economic and environmental cost. Environmental impacts caused by mining, quarrying and the transportation of minerals are minimised. Waste reduction and recycling are encouraged. National parks and other environmentally and scientifically important areas are protected from minerals development. Also, mineral resources that are, or may become, economically important are safeguarded from other land development. When quarrying or mining has finished, many sites are developed for nature conservation or community use.
Recycling
Recycling is part of the ‘Reduce–Reuse–Recycle’ aim of the sustainable development of mineral resources. It is the collection and processing of unwanted materials into useful products.
The energy and labour costs of recycling are the main factors that restrict the amount recovered. The cost of dismantling complex manufactured articles to recover certain minor metals, for example, may be higher than is economically realistic at present. This may change if products are designed for recycling or through the use of economic instruments from government, such as taxes and levies.
Construction materials, such as demolition waste, are normally recycled for use in the concrete, brick, plasterboard and ceramic industries. Minerals waste and waste products from industrial processes are also used as aggregate and cement additives.