Questions and Answers
The process of mineral extraction from a rock seam or ore is called ______.
mining
A naturally occurring element or compound is referred to as a ______.
mineral
Strip mining involves the removal of a thin strip of ______ above a desired deposit.
overburden
A rock or sediment containing a high percentage of one or more minerals is known as ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Dredging is the process of mining materials from the bottom of a body of ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Surface mining is used to extract ore minerals located near the ______ of the earth.
Signup and view all the answers
Underground mining is the process of extracting minerals and ______ from the earth.
Signup and view all the answers
The primary steps involved in mineral processing include sampling, analysis, and ______.
Signup and view all the answers
In underground mining, miners create a ______ to access ore minerals beneath the surface.
Signup and view all the answers
Sampling is the removal of a portion which represents a ______ needed for analysis.
Signup and view all the answers
Open-pit mining creates a big hole or ______ in the ground for extracting minerals.
Signup and view all the answers
Concentration involves the separation of valuable minerals from the ______.
Signup and view all the answers
The controlled use of explosives and gas exposure is necessary for breaking rocks in ______ mining.
Signup and view all the answers
The ______ method of mining is used for extracting coal, phosphates, clays, and tar.
Signup and view all the answers
Due to the dangers involved, underground mining is generally more ______ than surface mining.
Signup and view all the answers
Mineral processing includes refining minerals and preparing them for ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Mineral Extraction and Processing Overview
- Mining is the extraction of minerals from rock seams or ores, involving the separation of valuable components from raw materials.
- A mineral is a naturally occurring element or compound; an ore contains a high percentage of one or more minerals.
Methods of Mining
- Surface Mining: Extracts ores and minerals located near the earth's surface by removing overlying soil and rock.
- Underground Mining: Involves creating tunnels to access minerals found below the surface, requires explosives, and is typically more expensive and hazardous.
Types of Surface Mining
- Open-pit Mining: The most common method, creating large pits in the ground, used primarily for gravel, sand, and rock mining.
- Strip Mining: Involves the sequential removal of thin strips of overburden above mineral deposits, commonly used for coal and phosphates.
- Dredging: Extracts materials from the bottom of bodies of water like rivers or lakes, crucial for sourcing submerged minerals.
Mineral Processing Steps
- Sampling: Involves removing a portion of material for analysis, crucial for evaluating the ore's composition.
- Analysis: Essential for assessing valuable components; includes chemical, mineral, and particle size analysis.
- Comminution: The crushing and grinding of ores to liberate valuable minerals, with the final product being a powdered form.
- Concentration: The process of separating valuable minerals from waste materials, enhancing the quality of the extracted resources.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz provides an overview of mineral extraction and processing methods. Explore the different types of mining, including surface and underground techniques, and learn about the key processes involved in extracting valuable minerals from ores. Test your knowledge of these essential topics in the field of geology and mining.
