The impact of mineral exploitation on the environment depends on which of the following factors?

A. Ore quality

B. Rock type and subsurface materials

C. Hydrology conditions and gold quality

D. Climate and plant life

Answer: D. Climate and plant life

The impact of mineral exploitation on environment depends on climate and plant life.

Explanation:

Minerals are necessary for various developmental activities as well as daily needs of people. But mining activities have several adverse impacts on the environment.

When a discovery of presence of minerals is made in an area the initial steps would be clearing the area. If it is an inhabited land sometime people will be relocated.

If the area is a forest land clearing the forest would be required. This will adversely affect the plant and animal species of the area. Mining causes soil erosion and deposition of sediments in water bodies. Substances like acids draining from mining sites pollute surface water.