What is a commonly cited con of mining?

• A. Gets useful material
• B. Destroys land and leaves no minerals for future generations
• C. Creates jobs
• D. Reduces carbon emissions

Answer: (B)

Mining is often criticized for environmental costs. It disturbs and sometimes destroys land, disrupts ecosystems, and leads to the depletion of non-renewable minerals, which is why this drawback is commonly cited. Even with reclamation, landscapes can remain scarred, soils can be eroded, and water can be polluted by mine waste, making areas less usable and leaving fewer minerals for future generations. The other statements describe potential benefits, like obtaining useful material and creating jobs, while the idea that mining reduces carbon emissions isn’t a typical downside, since mining usually requires energy and can increase greenhouse gas emissions.