Open pit #mining, like that depicted in this #photo, can be a huge #environmental hazard. #Rocks that have been buried for millions of years can expose #radioactive elements, #asbestos-­like #minerals, and metallic #dust, and the separation process can produce #toxic, radioactive mixtures of #rock and #liquid that then #contaminate bedrock. #photooftheday #science #environment #geology #elements Image: Courtesy of Shutterstock