Q. With references to the differences between ‘Underground Mining and Open Pit Mining’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1.Open Pit Mining has a minimal disturbance to the surface compared to the Underground Mining.
2.Open-pit mining has a lower environmental impact than the Underground Mining.
Select the correct statements using the codes given below:
Explanation –
Statement 1 is incorrect. Open-pit mining involves digging large pits on the surface, leading to significant land clearing, deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat fragmentation. This has a major negative impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. In contrast, underground mining has a much smaller footprint compared to the widespread disruption caused by open-pit mining.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Open-pit mining generally has a higher environmental impact than underground mining due to several factors such as: Dust and pollution, Water pollution, leave lasting scars on the landscape, affecting scenic beauty and potentially impacting tourism potential which also leads to habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and soil erosion.
Source: Forum IAS
