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NSWEarth and Environmental ScienceQuick questions
Module 8: Resource Management
Quick questions on Sustainable resource extraction: HSC Earth and Environmental Science Module 8
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is rehabilitation?Show answer
Rehabilitation aims to return a mined site to a stable, productive and self-sustaining state. It typically involves reshaping the landform, replacing stored topsoil, revegetating with native species and managing water quality. Australian law requires companies to lodge financial bonds and rehabilitation plans before mining begins, so that funds exist to restore the land even if a company fails. Progressive rehabilitation, restoring parts of a site while others are still being mined, reduces the total disturbed area at any time.
What is life cycle assessment?Show answer
Life cycle assessment evaluates the total environmental impact of a resource or product across its entire life, from extraction through processing, transport, use and disposal or recycling. It prevents decisions that simply shift impacts from one stage to another. For example, assessing aluminium must include not only bauxite mining but the very large energy used in smelting; recycling aluminium uses a small fraction of that energy, so life cycle assessment strongly favours recycling. Applying this thinking helps compare options on a fair, whole-of-life basis.
What is q1?Show answer
Evaluate the sustainability of open-cut coal mining in Australia. [6 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain how a life cycle assessment could change a decision about whether to use new or recycled aluminium. [3 marks]
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