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Questions and Answers
Which ore mineral is primarily used to extract aluminum?
What metal is taken from chalcopyrite, known for its excellent electrical conductivity?
Which of the following uses titanium, the strongest metal, in its applications?
What is the main objective of mining engineers according to the text?
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Which ore is used for extracting a metal important in armor plating and naval ships?
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What is the primary process responsible for the formation of ore deposits from volcanic activity?
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Which of the following minerals is NOT typically found on the surface of the Earth?
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What term describes the process by which ore materials are deposited around hydrothermal vents?
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Which of the following statements about meteorites is true?
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What is the significance of the limited quantity of ore found within the Earth?
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Study Notes
Ore Minerals
- Ore minerals are naturally occurring rocks or sediments that contain valuable minerals, primarily metals, that can be mined and processed.
- Ore minerals are found in limited quantities because their formation and deposition took millions of years.
- Ore genesis, the process of ore formation, has three main categories: internal processes, hydrothermal processes, and surficial processes.
- Internal Processes: Volcanoes bring ore from the Earth's interior to the surface.
- Hydrothermal Processes: Seawater circulating through cracks in the Earth's crust deposits minerals near hydrothermal vents, which are openings on the seafloor where seawater meets magma.
- Surficial Processes: Erosion and weathering contribute to ore formation on the Earth's surface.
Finding Ore Minerals
- Ore minerals can also be found in the Earth's crust and ocean floor.
- Meteorites, which are fragments of rock from the solar system that enter the Earth's atmosphere, can also contain iron ore.
Mining Techniques
- There are two main mining methods: surface mining and underground mining.
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Surface Mining: Ore is extracted near the Earth's surface. This includes several methods, such as:
- Strip Mining
- Placer Mining
- Mountain Top Removal
- Hydraulic Mining
- Dredging
- Open Pit Mining
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Underground Mining: Ore is extracted from below the Earth's surface. This includes methods such as:
- Slope Mining
- Hard-Rock Mining
- Drift Mining
- Shaft Mining
- Bore-hole Mining
Processing Ore Minerals
- Ore minerals are typically mixed with unwanted rocks and minerals called gangue.
- Metallurgy is the process of extracting metals in their pure form, separating desired minerals from gangue.
- Metallurgy involves several steps:
- Crushing and Grinding: Ore is pulverized into a fine powder.
- Ore Dressing: Impurities are removed from the ore.
- Hydrolytic Method: Ore is washed over a vibrating table to separate denser particles from impurities.
- Magnetic Separation: Magnetic particles are separated from non-magnetic ones using a conveyor belt with a magnetic wheel.
- Froth Flotation: Ore is mixed with oil and water, and compressed air is passed through to create a froth that carries the lighter ore to the surface, leaving impurities behind.
- Roasting and Calcination: Concentrated ore is heated with oxygen (roasting) or without oxygen (calcination) to melt the ore and remove impurities.
Utilizing Processed Ore Minerals
- Processed ore minerals are further purified or mixed with other metals in refineries or mills.
- Gold ore is used in jewelry, electronics, coins, and dental fillings.
- Ore minerals are essential for infrastructure, trade, and industry, contributing to a country's economic health.
Mining in the Philippines
- There are five existing mining sites in Region X, utilizing methods such as tunneling, panning, flushing, and combinations of these techniques.
- The Philippines' "Philippine Mining Act of 1995" (RA 7942) governs mining activities, prioritizing health and safety measures.
- Biomining, which uses bacteria and fungi to extract minerals from ore, is being explored as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mining methods.
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Description
This quiz covers the characteristics and formation processes of ore minerals, including internal, hydrothermal, and surficial processes. Explore how valuable minerals are naturally occurring and where they can be found in nature, from the Earth's crust to ocean floors.
