Environmental impacts of a major mineral resource extraction scheme
Mining for minerals damages the surrounding environment in multiple ways. A major extraction scheme can destroy habitats, pollute water, and leave toxic waste that persists long after mining stops.
Real World
The Ok Tedi copper mine in Papua New Guinea discharged over 80,000 tonnes of tailings daily into the Fly River system, poisoning fish stocks and killing riverside vegetation across 2,000 km² — devastating communities who depended on the river for food and water.
Exam Focus
For 'evaluate' questions, structure environmental impacts by scale (local, regional, global) and reference specific named examples to access top marks.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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