Mining

Mining?...Like Minecraft?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fkobwu65Gic

Mining?Mining is the process

of extracting something from on or beneath the earth.

Most of the mining that we do is for minerals

What is a Mineral?

Minerals are naturally occurring and found on or beneath the earth.

They are inorganic (non-living or never living)

Minerals that can be mined for profit are called ores.These ores can be processed to make the pure minerals we are familiar with

Types of Minerals

1. Metallic minerals2. Non-Metallic Minerals

Industrial minerals Structural minerals

Metallic Minerals

Often found in intrusive igneous rock

Can find valuable metals like nickel, copper , zinc , lead, and gold

At one time magma containing these minerals was forced up towards the earth’s surface through fissures.

Industrial Minerals

found mainly in sedimentary rock.Any mineral that is not a metal Includes:

Gypsum, diamonds, potash, stone, sand asbestos, clay, salt, etc.

Types of Mines?

1. Open pit2. Strip mines3. Underground mining

Types of Mining – Open Pit

Used when ore lies near the surface

Large hole exposes the ore 2nd cheapest method, but

has the largest environmental impact. Why?

Types of Mining – Strip Mining

This mining is done in long, narrow strips. 

The waste they take off of the top is put on top of the last one.

The cheapest and safest method, but can have a significant impact on the surface. Why?

Types of Mining – Underground Done when the rocks,

minerals, or gemstones are too far underground.

Very expensive and the most dangerous, but has the least impact on the earth’s surface. Why?

Current Issues with Mining

Mining has a long history of bad environmental impacts.

These range from acid rain, to water pollution, and others

Cleaning up pollution is the mining company’s job, and it’s expensive.

Environmental Impacts

Companies need to clean up dig sites after they’re done.

Planting trees, fixing landscape.

Abandoned mines

Despite a boom in the industry, youth are rarely attracted to working in the mining field.

The mining industry needs young workers, but Canadian youth are more attracted to high-tech jobs than working in mines.

Employment problems

Other countries often have lower labour costs, and keep their production costs low.

In order to compete, Canadian companies need to find ways to save money

Often, they fire people and use machines to do the work.

New mineral deposits discovered in other countries

When a mine closes, the effect on jobs can be terrible.

Often, entire towns shut down, because the mine that supported the economy shut down.

Mining towns depend on mines for existence