Ore and Mineral Extraction

Classification of Ore Bodies

• Ore bodies are classified based on their deposit type, which includes igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic deposits.
• Igneous deposits form from the cooling of magma, often leading to valuable metal concentrations.
• Sedimentary deposits form from the accumulation and consolidation of minerals over time, often containing materials like coal, iron, and phosphate.
• Metamorphic deposits result from the alteration of existing rocks under heat and pressure, which can concentrate valuable metals.

Grade of Ore

• The term 'grade of ore' refers to the concentration of valuable minerals or metals within the ore.
• It is measured in weight percentage, indicating how much of the ore is made up of the desired minerals.
• Higher grades signify a more economically viable extraction, while lower grades may require extensive processing to recover resources.

Gangue

• Gangue is the term for the non-valuable minerals that are mined alongside ore.
• It constitutes the bulk material that accompanies the sought-after minerals, often complicating processing and extraction.
• Removal of gangue is essential to enhance the purity and value of the extracted ore.

Common Minerals of Interest

• Common minerals found in ores include gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron, and aluminum.
• Each mineral has unique properties and is sought for various industrial and economic applications.
• The presence of these minerals often dictates the mining and extraction methods used.

Ore Extraction Methods

• Ore is extracted from the earth through various methods, including open-pit mining, underground mining, and placer mining.
• Open-pit mining involves removing large quantities of soil and rock to access exposed ore.
• Underground mining focuses on accessing deep ore deposits through tunnels and shafts, requiring different safety and engineering considerations.
• Placer mining involves extracting ore particles from riverbeds or sediment through mechanical systems or manual methods.

Test your knowledge on the extraction of valuable minerals from natural rock or sediment. Explore the concepts of ore grade, profitability, and the determination of whether a rock is worth mining.