O-LevelPakistan StudiesThe environment of Pakistan2059/20 · Oct/Nov 2012 · Q125 Marks

Study Fig. 1 which shows mineral extraction in 2008 in Pakistan. [Figure 1.0]

(a)(i)Name two minerals shown on Fig. 1 that are used to make cement. 1 2[2]
(a)(ii)State two uses of rock salt. 1 2[2]
(a)(iii)State the amount of gypsum extracted.[1]
(b)(i)Describe the changes in extraction from 1992 to 2008.[3]
(b)(ii)Suggest why the extraction of minerals, such as chromite, varies from year to year.[3]
(c)(i)Use the photograph and your own knowledge to describe the environmental problems that can be caused by mineral extraction.[4]
(c)(ii)How can these problems be reduced?[4]
(d)To what extent can more extraction of mineral resources help to increase development in Pakistan?[6]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2012). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[2] limestone; gypsum;
[2] Do not credit vague answers such as 'food' 'chemicals' 'textiles' 'pharmaceuticals' etc. Two of the following (there may be others) Food - Flavour, preserving, curing, table salt Textiles - dyeing, bleaching, water softening, Chemicals - Soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, artificial rubber, Misc.- Tanning, household cleaner, fire extinguisher, artificial rubber, roads etc.
[1] 640-680 thousand tonnes
[3] Increases overall; Variable overall / 1992-2008; comment on fall and rise from 1992-97/98; variable 1998 – 2004/5; Rises from 2004-2008 / sharp rise in 2007; Secondary peak 1996-1998 / rises then falls 1996-1999; Lowest 1994; Figures to illustrate one of the above (max 1) eg. 28,000-115,000 tonnes 1992-2008
[3] Investment / funding; Demand / orders; Bankruptcy / companies leave; Problems with machinery; Reserves reducing /new reserves exploited /geological problems; Terrorism
[4] From photograph - loss of vegetation / deforestation; Land deformation / piles of rocks/pits; Loss of soil; Dust; Own knowledge-smoke / gasses; Soil erosion; Loss of farmland / grazing / no cultivation; Holes / pits etc.; Noise / vibration; (reserve one mark for reference to photograph)
[4] Laws / legislation+ details; Tree planting / screens + details; Land restoration + details; Personal health and safety – eg wearing masks against the dust, ear defenders, regular medical check ups, etc (allow up to two marks for each line)
[6] In favour (res. 2) Increase trade / exports / reduce imports; Raise GDP/GNP/ increase the economy; Increase employment; Foreign investment; Raise taxes/ government earnings; Rural development; Industrialisation / more industry; Better infrastructure + example; Provides more fuel or raw material + example. Education / skills; Against (res. 2) Lack of funds; Lack of machinery / technology; Unattractive to investors; In remote areas; Lack of infrastructure (but do not double mark); Competition from other countries / other countries safer; Environmental damage; Lack of skills / expertise