Which statements best describe underground mining when compared to surface mining

Question

Select the 4 correct answers
Leads to forming sinkholes
Leads to clog of local waterways
Takes up the most space
Recovers the most ore
Can release dangerous methane gas
Scars large area of land
Least destructive to the environment
Highest probability of reclamation success

Answer 1

The four statements that best describe underground mining when compared to surface mining are:

1. Leads to forming sinkholes - Underground mining can lead to ground subsidence, which may result in sinkholes.
2. Can release dangerous methane gas - Underground mining operations may release methane gas, a dangerous and flammable substance.
3. Recovers the most ore - Underground mining can often access ore that is not viable to recover through surface mining, potentially leading to higher ore recovery.
4. Least destructive to the environment - While not without its own significant environmental impacts, underground mining typically disturbs less surface land area compared to surface mining, which can result in more extensive ecological damage.

The other statements either apply more accurately to surface mining or do not typically characterize underground mining.

Answer 2

Wrong on the most ore

Answer 3

Thank you for the clarification. When comparing underground mining to surface mining, underground mining does not necessarily "recover the most ore" when considering the overall context and efficiency of ore recovery in many cases. Here's the correction regarding the statements:

1. Leads to forming sinkholes - Correct, as underground mining can lead to ground subsidence and sinkholes.
2. Can release dangerous methane gas - Correct, as underground mining can release methane gas, which poses safety risks.
3. Least destructive to the environment - Correct in the context of surface land disturbance, although it still has significant environmental impacts.
4. Leads to clog of local waterways - This can occur due to the potential disturbance of water flows or contamination.

The two remaining statements from your original list that are not accurate in this context, particularly regarding ore recovery and land impact, would be:

• Takes up the most space - This typically characterizes surface mining rather than underground mining.
• Scars large area of land - This is more representative of surface mining.

Based on this clarification, the correct answers are:

1. Leads to forming sinkholes
2. Can release dangerous methane gas
3. Least destructive to the environment
4. Leads to clog of local waterways

Again, I apologize for the oversight. Thank you for bringing it to attention!