Question

what are two types of pollution mentioned that surface mining causes? overexposure to coal dust could cause what disorder in humans? define the term subsidence? what is the process of reclamation?

Answer 1

- Two types of pollution surface mining causes:
- Water pollution (e.g., sedimentation, acid mine drainage)
- Air pollution (e.g., dust and particulate emissions; also noise and dust-related local contamination)

- Overexposure to coal dust can cause:
- Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (“black lung disease”), a form of pneumoconiosis that produces chronic cough, shortness of breath and can progress to severe lung damage.

- Define subsidence:
- Subsidence is the sinking or downward settling of the ground surface, often caused by removal of underground materials (e.g., collapse of mine workings) or compaction of soils.

- What is the process of reclamation?
- Reclamation is restoring land disturbed by mining to a safe, stable, and usable condition. Typical steps include backfilling pits, regrading contours, replacing topsoil, replanting vegetation, controlling erosion and water quality, removing hazards, and monitoring the site until restoration goals are met.