Final answer:
Urban mining is the extraction of valuable materials from waste generated in urban areas. It includes recycling e-waste, landfill mining, and biomining. Urban mining contributes to sustainable mineral resource use by reducing the need for traditional mining and promoting resource conservation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Urban mining refers to the process of extracting valuable materials from waste generated in urban areas. It involves the recovery of metals, minerals, and other resources from discarded electronic devices, construction waste, and landfills. Urban mining contributes to sustainable mineral resource use by reducing the need for traditional mining and promoting resource conservation.
E-waste recycling is one form of urban mining where valuable metals such as gold, silver, and copper are extracted from electronic waste to be recycled and reused. Another form is landfill mining, which involves extracting materials from landfills that can be recycled or repurposed. Biomining is another technique used in urban mining where microorganisms are employed to extract metals from low-grade ores, reducing the need for energy-intensive mining operations. Acid mine drainage, on the other hand, refers to the formation of acidic water bodies due to mining activities, causing environmental pollution.