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QUESTION 2 As a method of resource extraction stoping would be best used for (A) an evenly distributed low concentration gold deposit at a depth of 50 to 500 m. (B) base metals in a massive deposit at a depth greater than 500 m. (C) apetroleum reservoir in an anticlinal trap at 500 m depth. (D) high concentration mineral sand deposits at 500 m depth.
QUESTION 3 In which two locations would the process of fracking occur? (A) Land Ill (B) LandIV (C) Mand Ill (D) IV and VI
Difficulty: C
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Paper 1
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2020
QUESTION 6 Iron is most often formed within higher concentration bands because (A) (B) (C) (D) high rainfall leads to the concentration of iron ore due to leaching. higher porosity reservoir rocks allow high concentrations of iron ore to precipitate under a cap rock. zones within convergent plate boundaries cause high-pressure mineral assemblages to form in distinct zones. the high density of iron leads to it being concentrated in the deeper parts of channels found within sedimentary basins.
QUESTION 12 Which of the following best describes the ore separation process used in this flotation machine? Ore slurry input at Air pumped in at Tailings exit at Il Il
QUESTION 14 These figures show different methods of sampling that can be used to measure an unknown variable. Which scenario would create the most effective program to monitor changes in soil pH associated with groundwater movement from a mining operation moving away from the central sector? (A) grid sampling with bulking (B) spatially dense sampling (C) targeted sampling with bulking (D) frequent sampling at a few representative monitoring plots
Difficulty: A
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Paper 1
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2020
QUESTION 15 siltstone Q What is the most likely type of mineral resource to be found at location A? (A) banded iron ore (B) mineral sands (C) bauxite (D) gold
QUESTION 18 (5 marks) This question refers to Stimulus 2 and 3 in the stimulus book. A mine that opened in 2014 was surrounded by semi-open woodland. As part of the mine’s environmental plan soil pH was monitored at four sites around the mine. The distribution of three native grass species a woody weed species and an annual weed species was also monitored and recorded. a) Draw aconclusion about which plant species were negatively affected by the operation of the mine. Use data from the stimulus to support your response. [2 marks] b) Draw aconclusion about which monitoring site the data in Stimulus 3 was recorded at. Justify your conclusion using evidence from Stimulus 2 and 3. [3 marks]
QUESTION 4 (6 marks) This question refers to Stimulus 3 in the stimulus book. a) Explain how turbidity ponds are used. [2 marks] b) Draw aconclusion about the effectiveness of the turbidity management strategy at the mine site. Justify your conclusion. [4 marks]
QUESTION 1 Which properties would the fraction labelled X on the diagram exhibit? (A) high viscosity and low volatility (B) low volatility and a low boiling point (C) high flammability and high volatility (D) low flammability and a high boiling point
QUESTION 2 Economical gold-bearing layers are most likely located in (A) asedimentary sequence with an organic-rich source rock. (B) fractures and joints surrounding a massive granite body. (C) joint planes in an exhalative massive sulfide complex. (D) an alluvial deposit in an igneous granite complex.
QUESTION 5 Mineral sands deposits are formed (A) in higher porosity reservoir rocks allowing greater concentrations of ore minerals to precipitate under a cap rock. (B) by the weathering of mineral-rich rocks and subsequent dissolution of minerals into oceans and streams. (C) by the physical concentration of eroded mineral grains into placer deposits due to their specific gravity. (D) in convergent plate boundaries causing high-pressure mineral assemblages to form in distinct zones.
QUESTION 6 The graph shows new hardwood and softwood plantations and the removal of trees in a designated region between 2007 and 2015. The region holds pre-2007 plantation reserves of 94 000 ha for hardwood and 89 000 ha for softwood. 90 80 Key 70 || new softwood plantations new hardwood plantations || softwood removal 60 50 40 hardwood removal 30 Area (’000 ha) N So INN LLL VZZZZ) ZZZZZI [+ + | + 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Year Calculate the approximate hardwood plantations remaining at the end of 2013. (A) 52000 ha (B) 93000ha (C) 146000 ha (D) 238000 ha
QUESTION 11 The table shows primary environmental data collected and used to make decisions about Fire Danger Index (FDI) values. Location Days since Maximum Relative Wind speed Fuel load Fire Danger last rainfall average humidity (km/h) and | (tonne/ha) Index (FDI) daytime (%) direction temperature According to this data which environmental factors had the greatest influence on determining the Fire Danger Index values? (A) temperature and fuel load (B) rainfall and wind speed (C) humidity and fuel load (D) rainfall and humidity
QUESTION 13 In which two locations would you most likely find oil and water respectively? Locations
QUESTION 14 Hyperspectral imaging is mostly used in mineral and energy resource exploration to (A) (B) (C) (D) detect changes in the magnetic fields surrounding ore bodies at depth. identify gravitational anomalies associated with certain mineral assemblages. outline water courses associated with fractures and joint patterns in igneous complexes. detect changes in vegetation growing in different soil types that are affected by the underlying geochemistry.
QUESTION 19 (4 marks) Describe two geochemical techniques used in mineral exploration.
QUESTION 20 (6 marks) Identify two possible environmental risks that could be noted in an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for a new gold mine. Propose a strategy to mitigate each risk and explain the principle behind each Strategy. Risk: Strategy: Principle behind strategy: Risk: Strategy: Principle behind strategy:
QUESTION 21 (3 marks) Use Stimulus 7 in the stimulus book to determine the depth and thickness of the coal seam/s. Justify your response using evidence from the stimulus.
QUESTION 1 (6 marks) Describe each separation process and identify an ore used and the mineral extracted. a) Milling [3 marks] b) Sluicing [3 marks]
QUESTION 2 (4 marks) Identify one way that coal mining can have an environmental impact on the biosphere and hydrosphere and propose a method for monitoring each impact. a) Biosphere [2 marks] b) Hydrosphere [2 marks]
QUESTION 3 (6 marks) Use Stimulus | in the stimulus book to draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of the sulfur dioxide management program. Justify your conclusion using three pieces of evidence. Identify two limitations in the data.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSE SPACE FOR QUESTION 6 If you want this diagram to be marked rule a single diagonal line through the diagram on page 8. a[e[c[o[e[r[G[a[ila[e[e i fonjmarorfurys [ish us[25[ 7 pha 23|ar sip [sf us| ao sf Za] 22 5[o9[03|02|10]agf 1s |o7 2[15|10|02 [ufos [1012 1 ozbasrftr]o4[ 1.7 01 [o7 (0901 [os 10 |23]20| 2.1 [20] 18 |10]18 [39/23] 16 s[osf1o/13[s2[¢s)21 hz 3[o9[0s[o7|aa]s 11a anos as 2 oss [28 Ny - | o0 age N o S | ~I | oO ol O}N — S n a Qe ae ou — = Bel al oe wWwlel RID — lore) NPR Nilo; e le tn n|rolMmilwluololnvnlala =) mw af SYNyrelyyeysiyo Wl o}lw]wo}rnh] N o}O}] re — ei| plo
QUESTION 1 The cross-section of land shows the layer profile and the location of an oil and gas reserve. a 8 fe QO 16g 8 9 ii To Ore Pe tte: tO So tt ee ae - are) OO weg . 0 O°O ws 2 0 . we oo °. - . a * . . ‘os . . 7 . :- : oO 8770. 7 ope 8 go 88 8 go. O80 Oe . 7 858 50m I ED OES DE ee’ 5 g¢ Je .ths 3.6 Porous sandstone -:..¢:. fot soto eg Boe tL peek >. ete lo o.oo”. a se Sf es ae nr seg. Oo O°. seg Je O° “9 eo : OP ce: ret 2 re ou . fo o. BP Oe Ol ge Oe eel gs Op 8 i oo eh . . --. Porous sandstone oo o. ob we : o- 9.07 tote 0+ 9.07. L: toe! 4° Non-porous cap rock Oil and gas rich shale Where is the most suitable location to extract crude oil? (A) I (B) I (C) Il (D) IV
QUESTION 2 Stoping is the process of extracting an ore or mineral (A) found close to the Earth’s surface. (B) from the bottom of an artificial pond. (C) from an underground mine leaving behind an open space. (D) across a horizontal plane creating arrays with natural supporting columns.
QUESTION 9 It can be inferred from the graph that (A) (B) (C) (D) the amount of forest has increased since 2006. abandoned agricultural land increased the amount of forest. shrubland litter was the least effective at converting its carbon into below-ground biomass. the carbon sequestration rate from highest to lowest is soil above-ground biomass below-ground biomass and litter. QUESTIONS 9-10 These questions refer to the study by Sil et al. (2017) of carbon sequestration and carbon pools in a large area of mixed land use between 1990 and 2020. — — KR A Go & — N on) 1.00 Carbon sequestration rate (Mg C ha ! yr ') So o2) jo) 0.60 0.40 0.20 0.00 Total Above-ground Below-ground Soil organic Detrital organic biomass biomass carbon matter (litter) Key LJ Mixed land use Abandoned agricultural i Forest Shrubland 1990-2006 land 2007-2020 2007-2020 2007-2020
QUESTION 14 Fracking causes gas to be released after (A) drilling into rock and exposing layers to intense heat. (B) injecting water sand and chemicals into rock layers. (C) injecting hot water into soft shale reserves. (D) drilling into subsurface gas reserves.
QUESTION 15 The table shows the abundance of benthic foraminifera species recorded at four sites after a major oceanic oil spill. Species Pre-spill average Distance from oil spill (km) (% abundance + % error) 2 fo 100 ~ % abundance ee ee ee se ee ee ee ee Which species have definitely been affected by the oil spill? (A) land3 (B) 3and5 (C) 1 3 and 5 (D) 1 2 3 4 and 5
QUESTION 16 (6 marks) The diagram shows a surface geological map of a region where a mine to extract ilmenite rutile leucoxene and zircon is proposed. 31.0°S Key Hi Quaternary dunes Quaternary deposits 31.1°S | | [J Cenozoic sand plain Mi Cenozoic duricrust Cretaceous deposits 31.2°S8 4 Proposed mine 31.3°S 31.4°S 31.5°S LHS5.6°E WS.7°E LIS.8°E LIS.9°E 116.0°E a) Predict the viability of the proposed mine site based on the geological setting. Justify your prediction. [2 marks] b) Identify a direct sampling technique that could verify the quality of the deposit and explain why this technique would be suitable. [2 marks] c) Identify a suitable extraction method. Justify your response. [2 marks]
QUESTION 6 (14 marks) This question refers to Stimulus 5 in the stimulus book. a) Determine a site for a new coal mine in the area. Justify the location of the mine using three pieces of evidence and a method of extraction. [6 marks] b) Describe the impact of the mine on the hydrosphere geosphere biosphere and atmosphere and their associated environmental monitoring strategies. [8 marks]
QUESTION 1 Sluicing separates metallic resources based on (A) solubility. (B) melting point. (C) specific gravity. (D) hydrophobic properties.
QUESTION 2 Where is the most likely location for gold-bearing quartz reefs? (A) asedimentary sequence with an organic-rich source rock (B) fractures and joints surrounding a massive granite body (C) joint planes in an exhalative massive sulphide complex (D) an alluvial deposit in an igneous granite complex
QUESTION 8 Which inference is supported by the graphs? (A) The ideal humidity level to reduce particulate matter is 80%. (B) Humidity has the most impact on particulate matter during summer. (C) Increased humidity results in a decrease in particulate matter concentration. (D) Higher concentrations of particulate matter are more resistant to changes in humidity.
Difficulty: B
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Paper 1
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2023
QUESTION 9 A geological map of India is shown. COT Oe eee 8 Se hOhlUP Oe ween neeewee ween saaae Key 4 Recent and pleistocene (sedimentary) #2 Deccan Trap (igneous) §) Pre-Cambrian (metamorphic) MB Gondwana and Vindhyan (metamorphic) A viable location to explore for coal is (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
QUESTION 15 The best type of survey to identify underground petroleum is (A) seismic. (B) magnetic. (C) radioactive. (D) hyperspectral.
QUESTION 19 The best tests to monitor soil structure are (A) moisture and organic carbon. (B) volume and erosion pattern. (C) particle size and air space. (D) pH and salinity.
QUESTION 22 (9 marks) a) Identify three steps involved in separating iron metal from iron ore. [3 marks] b) Explain the separation processes identified in Question 22a) referring to the properties of iron or iron ore. [6 marks]
QUESTION 6 (18 marks) Refer to Stimulus 6 in the stimulus book. a) Determine the financial value of the sample for all metals recoverable at the optimal pH for iron extraction. Show your working. The mining company decides to minimise its costs by extracting only two metals. b) Determine an alternative pH to maximise the financial value of the sample for two recoverable metals. Show your working. c) Which pH should the company use to process the sample? Justify your response. [8 marks] [8 marks] [2 marks]
QUESTION 6 The froth flotation process involves (A) creating bubbles to which wanted material adheres. (B) adding surfactants to achieve a hydrophilic surface charge. (C) aerating the slurry to create a froth that contains unwanted material. (D) adding a slurry of fine powder and water to allow clay particles to be separated.
QUESTION 8 The following diagram represents a cross-section from an area explored for coal. Soil: Alluvium Coal Shale Conglomerate Sandstone Limestone Which of the following extraction processes would be used to remove coal in the area between points X and Y on the diagram? (A) fracking (B) onshore drilling (C) open-cut mining (D) underground mining
QUESTION 9 Which of the following statements is correct? (A) Metallic resources are an example of a non-renewable resource. (B) Metallic and energy resources are always found in sedimentary rocks. (C) Metallic non-metallic and energy resources are sourced and extracted from minerals. (D) Metallic resources non-metallic resources and energy resources are malleable and ductile.
QUESTION 10 Which of the following geological locations would be most likely to contain a coal deposit? (A) adomed limestone outcrop (B) the outermost band of a contact metamorphic zone (C) asedimentary basin in which strata contain leaf fossils (D) a fault-bound stratigraphic trap containing marine fossils
QUESTION 11 The contour map below shows the distribution of mineral sands. The contours represent the percentage of oxides in the sand. The ore deposit is considered viable if the concentration of oxides is at least 10%. The most viable location to mine is (A) Location A. (B) Location B. (C) Location C. (D) Location D.
QUESTION 12 Of the following which two exploration methods are the most useful to locate a mineral sand deposit? (A) seismic and magnetic surveys (B) gravitational and seismic surveys (C) magnetic and gravitational surveys (D) borehole logging and gravitational surveys
QUESTION 13 The table below shows an extract from a geochemical exploration dataset showing the concentration of gold in grams per tonne (g/t) for four drillhole samples. : . . . 0.89 4.1 1] 5.5 | 1.13 l 13 7.6 | 0.62 4.8 | 150 | 115 | 0.78 Assuming it is economically viable to mine for gold at Au > 10 g/t which drillholes are more viable using an open-cut process? (A) U28 and U33 (B) U31 and U33 (C) U31 and U34 (D) U33 and U34 nA} BR] w]n ae eo 8 9
QUESTION 25 (7 marks) a) Explain how the following mineral resources are formed. e aluminium [2 marks] e mineral sands [2 marks] b) Explain how the location of a gold deposit is usually related to its geological setting. [3 marks]
QUESTION 1 (5 marks) The figure below shows a wireline log that was used to identify potential coal seams. a) Annotate the figure to identify the top of each coal seam. Justify your annotations. [3 marks] Density (g/cm?) 1.7 2.2 2.7 3.2 b) Determine the thickness of a coal seam indicated on the previous page. Write your response in the box below and round your answer to one decimal place. Show your working. [2 marks] Thickness of coal seam =
QUESTION 8 (15 marks) Interpret the evidence in Stimulus 4 and Stimulus 5 in the stimulus book to draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of the salt interception scheme for sustaining the natural ecosystem that occurs along the Murray—Darling basin river system. Justify your conclusion.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSE SPACE FOR QUESTION 6 If you want this diagram to be marked rule a single diagonal line through the diagram on page 8. a[e[c[o[e[r[G[a[ila[e[e i fonjmarorfurys [ish us[25[ 7 pha 23|ar sip [sf us| ao sf Za] 22 5[o9[03|02|10]agf 1s |o7 2[15|10|02 [ufos [1012 1 ozbasrftr]o4[ 1.7 01 [o7 (0901 [os 10 |23]20| 2.1 [20] 18 |10]18 [39/23] 16 s[osf1o/13[s2[¢s)21 hz 3[o9[0s[o7|aa]s 11a anos as 2 oss [28 Ny - | o0 age N o S | ~I | oO ol O}N — S n a Qe ae ou — = Bel al oe wWwlel RID — lore) NPR Nilo; e le tn n|rolMmilwluololnvnlala =) mw af SYNyrelyyeysiyo Wl o}lw]wo}rnh] N o}O}] re — ei| plo
QUESTION 7 Determine when a PM ; concentration of 50 ug/m® could be recorded. (A) winter: 60% relative humidity (B) winter: 90% relative humidity (C) summer: 60% relative humidity (D) summer: 90% relative humidity
Difficulty: C
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Paper 1
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2023
QUESTION 3 (6 marks) Use Stimulus | in the stimulus book to draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of the sulfur dioxide management program. Justify your conclusion using three pieces of evidence. Identify two limitations in the data.
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