Materials & Mining: Definitions, Uses, and Environmental Impact

Wood: Definition and Environmental Impact

Wood is a relatively tough, fibrous substance found in the trunks of trees, beneath the bark. It serves as a fundamental raw material for the production of numerous products. However, the environmental impact of its harvesting has led to the destruction of large forests, either for timber extraction or to adapt land for other uses.

Paper: Material and Characteristics

Paper is a material derived from cellulose. Its characteristics and function vary significantly depending on the manufacturing process.

Carton: Composition and Properties

Carton (cardboard) is a material made of several superimposed layers of paper, based on either virgin fiber or recycled paper. Carton is generally thicker, harder, and stronger than standard paper.

The Interconnection of Wood, Paper, and Carton

These materials are intrinsically linked. After trees are harvested, debarked, and processed, cellulose is extracted for the manufacture of products like paper. Paper, in turn, is the base for carton, which is formed from cellulose in more resistant structures.

Mineral Deposits and Mining Operations

Mineral deposits are locations where elements are concentrated, from which minerals are extracted. For extraction to be profitable, the concentration of minerals must be high enough to be considered ore. The operations at a deposit are referred to as mines.

Titanium: Advantages and Disadvantages

The excellent ratio between low weight and high mechanical strength of materials like titanium has significantly contributed to aerospace development. In aeronautics technology and medicine, titanium is increasingly utilized because it is not toxic to the human body and displays no rejection reactions. It is commonly used in implants for bone repair.

Major Environmental Impacts of Mining

• Impact on the Atmosphere

  Contamination by solid particles, dust, and gases, as well as noise pollution from machinery and blasting.

• Impact on Water

  Pollution of surface water from runoff, the drag of solid particles, and toxic elements. Aquifers can also be polluted by hydrocarbons.

• Impact on Soil

  Irreversible occupation of land and changes in land use.

• Impact on Flora and Fauna

  Consequences of soil removal or direct removal of vegetation cover and wildlife habitats.

• Impact on the Landscape

  Alteration of the overall landscape character.

• Impacts on the Sociocultural Environment

  Increased traffic density and other community disruptions.