Module 8: Resource Management

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions, in syllabus order. Each dot point has a focused answer, with exam-style questions and worked answers where available.

What environmental impacts arise from mining and waste, and how can mined land and waste be managed and rehabilitated?

Analyse the environmental impacts of mining and waste disposal and the methods used to manage and rehabilitate them, including but not limited to acid mine drainage, tailings, land degradation and site rehabilitation in the Australian context

Mining impacts and rehabilitation. Land disturbance, acid mine drainage, tailings and waste, and rehabilitation methods, with Australian examples.

6 min read →

How can water resources be managed sustainably to meet human needs while maintaining ecosystem health?

Analyse the strategies used to manage water resources sustainably, including but not limited to catchment management, allocation, water quality and the balancing of human and environmental demands in the Australian context

Sustainable water management. The water cycle, catchment management, allocation and trading, water quality, and Australian examples including the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

6 min read →

How can mineral and energy resources be extracted and used in ways that balance economic benefit with environmental sustainability?

Evaluate the environmental impacts and sustainability of resource extraction, including but not limited to mining methods, rehabilitation, life cycle assessment and the management of renewable and non-renewable resources in the Australian context

Sustainable resource extraction. Renewable versus non-renewable resources, mining impacts, rehabilitation, life cycle assessment, and Australian examples including coal, iron ore and mine rehabilitation.

6 min read →

How are renewable and non-renewable energy resources formed and used, and how can Australia transition to lower-emission energy?

Evaluate the formation, use and environmental impact of renewable and non-renewable energy resources, including but not limited to fossil fuels, solar, wind and hydro, and the transition to lower-emission energy in the Australian context

Energy resources. How fossil fuels and renewables form and are used, their impacts, and Australia's energy transition, with named examples.

6 min read →

How can resource use be made sustainable, and what can Aboriginal land-management knowledge contribute?

Evaluate models of sustainable resource use, including but not limited to ecological footprint, life cycle assessment, the circular economy and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land-management practices in the Australian context

Sustainability. Sustainability principles, ecological footprint, life cycle assessment, the circular economy and Aboriginal land-management knowledge, with Australian examples.

6 min read →