Question: Why would the environmental degradation associated with mining be a low priority for a less-developed country? Multiple Choice The country relies on the export of a mineral for the majority of their foreign exchange. There is usually a smaller population, so that environmental consequences are of less importance. Less-developed countries are more likely to import minerals so environmental degradation is not as important to them. The environmental impact of mining is low. Environmental degradation is usually not concern for residents of less-developed countries.