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2-Mark Questions
Define surface mining.
Model Answer:
Surface mining is the extraction of minerals or rocks that are located near the Earth’s surface, where the overlying soil and rock (overburden) are removed to access the deposit.
Why this works:
Clear definition (1 mark)
Includes “near surface” + “removing overburden” (key details) (2nd mark)
4-Mark Questions
Explain two environmental impacts of open-cast mining.
Model Answer:
Loss of habitat: Removing soil and vegetation destroys living habitats for plants and animals, reducing biodiversity.
Water pollution: Runoff from mining sites often contains silt and chemicals which may pollute rivers and groundwater, harming aquatic life.
Why this works:
Two distinct impacts given → 2 marks
Each explained clearly + relevant to Unit 1 content → 2 more marks
6-Mark Questions
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using deep (shaft) mining rather than open‐cast mining.
Model Answer:
Advantages: Deep mining causes less damage to the surface since the land above remains largely intact. This reduces visual pollution and preserves habitats at the surface. It also allows access to minerals that are located too deep underground for open-cast mining.
Disadvantages: However, deep mining is more expensive because shafts and ventilation systems are needed, which raises production costs. It is also more dangerous for workers due to risks of collapse, poor air quality, and flooding. Transporting the ore to the surface is slower and less efficient than in open-cast mining.
Conclusion: Overall, deep mining is better for reducing surface environmental damage, but its costs and safety risks often make open-cast mining the more practical choice when minerals are near the surface.
Why This Works
Each point is stated + explained (HOW it helps or WHY it’s a disadvantage).
Uses clear contrasts (“better for the environment” vs “higher costs and risks”).
Has a balanced conclusion → shows evaluation.
Matches examiner’s game: knowledge + explanation + evaluation.
8-Mark Questions
Describe the process of land restoration after mining and evaluate its importance.
Model Answer:
After mining ends, the land can be restored by filling in pits, replacing overburden, and spreading topsoil to make the ground suitable for vegetation. New trees, shrubs, or crops can be planted to re-establish habitats, and in some cases water-filled pits are left to form lakes, which can support aquatic life or be used for recreation. Wildlife may be reintroduced once the habitat stabilises.
Restoration is important because it reduces hazards such as loose soil and erosion, while also bringing back biodiversity and improving the appearance of the landscape. For example, former open-cast mining sites in parts of Europe have been successfully converted into public parks. However, the process can be very costly and long-term; soil fertility and original ecosystems are not always fully recovered, meaning some damage is permanent.
Why This Works
Process explained clearly, with cause/effect.
Evaluation balanced: benefits (biodiversity, safety, aesthetics) + drawbacks (cost, incomplete recovery).
Real-world example → makes it examiner-proof.
Uses linking words (“because,” “however,” “for example”) to show reasoning.
10-Mark Questions
Explain how rocks and minerals are formed (rock cycle) and analyze how human extraction impacts natural ecosystems.
Model Answer:
Rocks are formed through the rock cycle. When magma cools and solidifies, it forms igneous rocks such as basalt or granite. These rocks can then be broken down by weathering and erosion, and the sediments are deposited and compressed to form sedimentary rocks like sandstone or limestone. With further heat and pressure, either igneous or sedimentary rocks can change into metamorphic rocks, for example marble from limestone.
Human extraction of rocks and minerals can have serious impacts on ecosystems. Removing vegetation and soil during mining destroys habitats and alters the landscape, while runoff from mine sites often pollutes rivers and groundwater with chemicals, affecting aquatic life. Dust and noise from blasting can harm nearby communities and animals, while spoil heaps and waste rock can lead to long-term soil erosion and contamination.
However, extraction also provides significant economic benefits, such as employment opportunities and valuable resources for industry. For example, in some mining regions, local communities rely heavily on mining for income. Yet without careful management, the environmental costs — biodiversity loss, pollution, landscape damage — often outweigh the benefits. Restoration projects and stricter regulations can reduce impacts, but they are expensive and sometimes cannot fully repair ecosystems.
Why This Works
Rock cycle explained (process, examples).
Impacts fully described (cause/effect, not just listed).
Specific examples included (basalt, marble, spoil heaps).
Analysis is balanced → pros and cons, sustainable management mentioned.
Structured logically: formation → impacts → analysis.
QUESTIONS DONE BY FARIDA SABET
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