The mining of which resource produces the most toxic waste?

Answer 1

The mining of rare earth elements produces the most toxic waste. Rare earth elements are a group of 17 chemically similar elements that are used in various high-tech and green technologies such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and wind turbines. The extraction of rare earth elements from the earth is a highly polluting process that generates large amounts of toxic waste, including radioactive waste, acid mine drainage, and heavy metal contamination. The disposal and management of this toxic waste pose significant environmental and health risks.