Mining Overview and Methods

Mining Overview

• Mining is the process of extracting ore minerals from the earth for human use.
• Ore is a natural material with a high concentration of economically valuable minerals.
• Mining methods include surface and underground mining.

Learning Objectives

• Students will identify the different mining methods.
• Students will demonstrate how ore minerals are mined.
• Students will understand the environmental impacts of mining.

Methods of Mining

• Surface Mining: Used to extract ore minerals near the earth's surface. Involves removal of vegetation, dirt, and bedrock. Cost-effective and safer than underground mining.

  • Types of Surface Mining:
    • Open-pit mining: A large hole or pit where ores are extracted.
    • Strip mining: Strips away layers of earth to reach the desired mineral deposit. Subtypes include area stripping and contour stripping.
    • Mountaintop removal: Explosives are used to remove the overburden (rock and soil) from the top of mountains to access the mineral deposits, usually coal.
    • Placer mining: Sorts valuable metals from river sediments, beach sands, or other surface materials. Often associated with gold mining.

• Underground Mining: Used to extract hard mineral deposits at great depths below the surface. More costly and risky than surface mining.

Environmental Impacts

• Soil erosion: Loss of topsoil due to mining activities.
• Dust: Dust released during mining operations.
• Destruction of habitats: Loss of natural environments and wildlife due to mining operations.
• Contamination of soil and water: Pollution of the environment by mining chemicals or materials.

Additional Notes

• Mining is a privilege, not a right, with specific conditions. Protecting the environment is a responsibility. This statement comes from a quote by Gina Lopez in the Philippines.