Question

You have read about mining of minerals like baryte or coal. In what ways do you think does mining affects the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere?

Answer 1

• Mining disturbs and removes the rocks, ores and minerals in the lithosphere leaving huge gaping holes in the earth. 
• The mine tailings are piled up in large mounds on the surface of the earth. 
• Mining waste when washed into the water ways pollutes the hydrosphere. 
• Mining causes air pollution to the atmosphere in several ways.
• The mine might also release poisonous gases that were trapped below the surface. 
• Mining affects the biosphere by affecting the other three spheres in an indirect way.