Question

the need for mineral extraction and production is an essential activity of any technically proficient society. as minerals are produced from with naturally occurring environment, disturbance of the environment as a result of mineral production is ______a given. modern mining engineer ________be concerned not only with the production and processing of mineral commodities, but also with the mitigation of damage or chan an environment as a result of that production and processing.

the two primary types of mine are underground mines and open - pit mines. minerals that exist mostly underground (e.g. coal, gold etc.) are generally recovered using the underground mining process. minerals like iron ore, limestone, manganese ore, and others are mostly recovered the surface downwards in opencast mining.

--mining engineering, wikiuniversity

which words or phrases, if inserted in order into the blanks, would help the reader best understand the writers intended meaning?

○ a. therefore, consequently

● b. regrettably, nevertheless

○ c. regardless, accordingly

○ d. understandably, therefore

Explanation:

Let's analyze each option:

• Option A: "therefore" (indicating a conclusion) and "consequently" (also indicating a result) don't fit well. The first blank is about a negative aspect (environmental disturbance) which "therefore" doesn't capture as it's more neutral - result oriented.
• Option B: "regrettably" (showing sadness about the environmental disturbance) and "nevertheless" (indicating contrast - mining engineers still have to deal with it despite the disturbance) makes sense. The first part is about the negative environmental impact (regrettable) and the second part is about the engineers' role (contrast - they still have to work on mitigation).
• Option C: "regardless" is not appropriate for the first blank as it doesn't convey the negative tone of environmental disturbance. "Accordingly" also doesn't fit the contrast needed in the second part.
• Option D: "understandably" is too neutral for the first blank (doesn't show the negative nature of environmental disturbance). "Therefore" in the second blank doesn't show the contrast (engineers have to deal with it despite the disturbance) as well as "nevertheless".

Answer:

B. regrettably, nevertheless