(a) Describe the significance of minerals as an environmental resource (b) Highlight three major problems resulting from the exploitation of mineral resourc...

Answer Details

(a) Significance of minerals as an environmental resource

1. Source of energy: fuel minerals such as petroleum, coal and natural gas provide power for industries, transport and domestic use.
2. Raw materials for industry: minerals like iron ore, bauxite, limestone and tin supply the metal, cement and manufacturing industries.
3. Source of foreign exchange and revenue: the export of minerals earns foreign currency and government revenue that finance national development.
4. Employment: mining and related activities provide jobs for many people, both directly and indirectly.
5. Development of infrastructure: mining areas attract roads, railways, electricity and towns.
6. Support for other sectors: minerals such as limestone and phosphate provide materials for construction and fertiliser for agriculture.

(b) Three major problems resulting from the exploitation of mineral resources

1. Land degradation and destruction of the landscape: opencast mining, quarrying and dredging leave pits, spoil heaps and derelict land that is unfit for farming or building.
2. Environmental pollution: mining pollutes air with dust and fumes, and pollutes rivers and soil with chemicals and oil spillage, harming plants, animals and human health.
3. Displacement of people and social disruption: communities are forced off their land, farmland is lost, and rapid growth of mining camps brings overcrowding and social vices; rapid depletion of a non-renewable resource is a further problem.