This fact sheet explores the environmental issues associated with uranium mining in Australia. What are the potential risks to the environment with uranium mining and how are governments and mining operators currently collaborating to manage these risks? Find out how mining companies seek approvals for mining plants and what is required of them before, during and after the operation.

Mining provides us with minerals, metals and other materials we use every day and the fuel used to generate electricity. These minerals have economic value and can benefit mankind.Although in Australia, less than 1% of the land is mined, depending on the size of the mine, method of mining and location, mining can have a significant impact on the environment. To minimise the effects of this impact, careful planning, management and supervision are required.

Image courtesy of the Geological Survey of Western Australia, Department of Mines and Petroleum State of Western Australia 2011.

Australia is one of the world's driest continents, yet its citizens use more water per capita than anyone else.In this unit students investigate water strength and pressure through dam wall modelling. A field trip to a freshwater creek leads to studies of freshwater invertebrates as indicators of water quality.

What types of resources are developed in Western Australia? How are environmental issues managed in the Western Australian resources sector? What is the State Government doing to encourage exploration? How can I view drill core samples? Why is a transparent and efficient resources projects approvals process important? What types of careers are available in the resources sector?

For primary and secondary school visits on minerals and energy topics see CSIRO Education.

The Power Down Ranger online game is designed to help educate children about how to use energy wisely at home. Children can select specific appliances they have in their own home, learn about how they work and how to be energy efficient. Through this interaction children can understand how to be wise with energy in their home and make connections between types of appliances, their personal behaviour and carbon production. Students can then implement improvements in their home to save money and reduce their household's carbon footprint.

QER is acknowledged with providing assistance for this resource."Exploring familar objects and materials"Plastics are made from oil. The wide array of types of plastics makes for an extensive diversity of properties. In this lesson students will classify a range of plastic objects according to their properties.

QER is acknowledged with providing assistance for this resource."Caring for the Environment"Caring for our local environment is important, whether it is a mine site, a school ground or a neighbourhood park. In this lesson, students will explore the circle of life and ways in which they can help to care for their natural environment. In this lesson, students will conduct a nature walk to observe the natural environment and then draw or paint what they have discovered.This lesson has been designed to align with the science Australian Curriculum year 1.

QER is acknowledged with providing assistance for this resource."Everyday objects made from minerals"Objects of all kinds can be described using a rich vocabulary encompassing all of the senses. Many common and useful objects around us are made from oil.In this lesson, students will question, describe, recognise and name common objects.This lesson has been designed to align with the science Australian Curriculum year 2.