Mining Notes
Mining is extracting ore or minerals from the ground. An ore is a natural material with a high concentration of economically valuable minerals that can be mined for a profit
Two types of mining: surface mining and subsurface mining
Surface mining- mineral deposits are on or near the surface of the Earth and are removed, three types
Open-pit Mining: removes large, near surface deposits of minerals such as gold and copper. Mined downward in layers
Quarries: stone, crushed rock, sand and gravel gathered in the same way as open -pit mining
Strip Mining: removing surface coal in strips up to 50 m wide and 1 km long
Mountain Top Removal: top of elevation is blown off
Subsurface mining- minerals are located too deep for surface mining
Shafts or passageways are dug into the ground so they can get to the minerals
Drift mines- drill a hole into the side of a mountain, straight across
Slope mine- go down in a slope and then straight across
Shaft- go down in a "elevator" or shaft and then straight across
Reclamation- Mining can destroy or disturb habitats. Waste products can pollute water systems.
When a mine is no longer being used, the land should be returned to its originals state or better. - Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975
Why do we need mines?
Houses, cars, toothpaste, plumbing, wiring, technology, etc...
IF YOU CAN'T GROW IT, ITS MINED!
Mining in My House
Object
Metals
Useful Properties
Fiberglass insulation
Quartz, sand, silica
Great electric insulator
Roof tiles
Clay
Very hard when dried or fired
Concrete Footpath
Limestone, gravel, sand
When mixed together, the material is very durable
Brass Door Knob
Copper and Zinc
Malleable (able to make into shape), resistant to corrosion, soft, but tough
Mirror
Silver
Acts upon light, white, and lustrous.
Lamp (electricity)
Coal
Can be bright and shiny, used as a fuel source
Wall Paint
Magnesium and Titanium
Strong, light-weight, white and easily dyed, temp. resistant
Bricks
Clay
Hard when dried or hardened
Window glass
Silica Sand
Extremely hard, used in many white ceramics because of its color
Laptops and Mobile Phones
Nickel and Cobalt
Hard, Ductile ,resistant to corrosion, easy to clean, recyclable
Two types of mining: surface mining and subsurface mining
Surface mining- mineral deposits are on or near the surface of the Earth and are removed, three types
Open-pit Mining: removes large, near surface deposits of minerals such as gold and copper. Mined downward in layers
Quarries: stone, crushed rock, sand and gravel gathered in the same way as open -pit mining
Strip Mining: removing surface coal in strips up to 50 m wide and 1 km long
Mountain Top Removal: top of elevation is blown off
Subsurface mining- minerals are located too deep for surface mining
Shafts or passageways are dug into the ground so they can get to the minerals
Drift mines- drill a hole into the side of a mountain, straight across
Slope mine- go down in a slope and then straight across
Shaft- go down in a "elevator" or shaft and then straight across
Reclamation- Mining can destroy or disturb habitats. Waste products can pollute water systems.
When a mine is no longer being used, the land should be returned to its originals state or better. - Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975
Why do we need mines?
Houses, cars, toothpaste, plumbing, wiring, technology, etc...
IF YOU CAN'T GROW IT, ITS MINED!
Mining in My House
Object
Metals
Useful Properties
Fiberglass insulation
Quartz, sand, silica
Great electric insulator
Roof tiles
Clay
Very hard when dried or fired
Concrete Footpath
Limestone, gravel, sand
When mixed together, the material is very durable
Brass Door Knob
Copper and Zinc
Malleable (able to make into shape), resistant to corrosion, soft, but tough
Mirror
Silver
Acts upon light, white, and lustrous.
Lamp (electricity)
Coal
Can be bright and shiny, used as a fuel source
Wall Paint
Magnesium and Titanium
Strong, light-weight, white and easily dyed, temp. resistant
Bricks
Clay
Hard when dried or hardened
Window glass
Silica Sand
Extremely hard, used in many white ceramics because of its color
Laptops and Mobile Phones
Nickel and Cobalt
Hard, Ductile ,resistant to corrosion, easy to clean, recyclable