Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Geography

Chapter

Fundamentals of Human Geography: Primary Activities

Question:
Choose the feature of open cast mining from the following?
Options:
Cheapest way of mining
It requires lifts and drills
It requires ventilation systems
It has high labour cost.
Correct Answer:
Cheapest way of mining
Explanation:
Depending on the mode of occurrence and the nature of the ore, mining is of two types: surface and underground mining. The surface mining also known as open-cast mining is the easiest and the cheapest way of mining minerals that occur close to the surface. Overhead costs such as safety precautions and equipment is relatively low in this method. The output is both large and rapid.
When the ore lies deep below the surface, underground mining method (shaft method) has to be used. In this method, vertical shafts have to be sunk, from where underground galleries radiate to reach the minerals. Minerals are extracted and transported to the surface through these passages. It requires specially designed lifts, drills, haulage vehicles, ventilation system for safety and efficient movement of people and material. This method is risky. Poisonous gases, fires, floods and caving in lead to fatal accidents.