A negative effect of mineral exploitation is

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for a negative effect (a harmful consequence) of mineral exploitation, which means mining and extracting minerals from the earth.

Step 2: Explain the concept Mineral exploitation (mining, quarrying, oil drilling) benefits the economy through jobs, foreign exchange, and raw materials for industries. It also harms the environment and people. Common negative effects include:

• Pollution of air (dust, gases), water (chemical and oil spills, as in the Niger Delta) and soil
• Land degradation and destruction of vegetation
• Deforestation
• Land subsidence and open pits that collect water
• Health hazards for mining communities

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Afforestation is the planting of trees where there were none. It is a positive environmental practice, and in fact is often used to repair mining damage. ❌
• B. Hydration is a chemical weathering process in which minerals absorb water. It is not an effect of mining. ❌
• C. Pollution is the contamination of the air, water and land by waste, chemicals and dust from mining activities. It is clearly a negative effect. ✅
• D. Oxidation is a chemical weathering process in which minerals react with oxygen (for example, rusting of iron). It is a natural process, not a direct effect of mineral exploitation. ❌

Step 4: Answer The correct option is **C.

💡 Exam tip: When a question asks for a "negative effect" of human activity such as mining, farming or industrialization, look for words like pollution, degradation, erosion or deforestation. Watch out for words like hydration and oxidation, which are weathering processes and are often used as distractors. Also remember that afforestation is always a solution, never a problem.