1.1 & 1.2

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Questions and Answers

When was the planet Earth formed?

About 4.5 billion years ago

What is the name given to molten rock when it is still below the surface?

Magma

What is the date after which there will only be less extraction of a mineral called?

Peak mineral

What is the most well-known rock that is in danger of being used up due to extraction and use?

Coal Signup and view all the answers

What is the layer between the dense core and the light crust of the Earth called?

Mantle Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the date at which the most coal is being extracted, after which it will decline?

Peak coal Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of sedimentary rocks?

Limestone, sandstone, and shale Signup and view all the answers

How are metamorphic rocks formed?

Metamorphic rocks are created from existing rocks under high heat or pressure, or both. Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of metamorphic rocks?

Marble and slate Signup and view all the answers

What were the rocks like when the Earth's crust first formed?

Igneous Signup and view all the answers

What causes the changes in structure that lead to metamorphic rocks?

Heat and pressure Signup and view all the answers

How are sedimentary rocks formed?

From sediments built up over time from particles released by eroded rocks. Signup and view all the answers

What type of mining involves digging tunnels into the ground to reach mineral deposits that are too deep to be removed by surface mining?

Sub-surface mining Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a drift mine entered by an adit?

Horizontal tunnel Signup and view all the answers

How are the deepest deposits reached in sub-surface mining?

By digging a vertical shaft Signup and view all the answers

Why is shaft mining more difficult compared to open-pit mining?

Supply of fresh air and water drainage has to be provided Signup and view all the answers

What is the miners' primary job in sub-surface mining?

To ensure machinery works correctly and safely Signup and view all the answers

Why is sub-surface mining more expensive and technically challenging than horizontal or slope tunnelling?

Because it involves digging vertical shafts Signup and view all the answers

What are the factors that mining companies need to consider before starting a new mine?

Costs of exploration and extraction, geology, climate, accessibility, environmental impact, supply and demand. Signup and view all the answers

Why is developing surface mines considered easier than developing mines underground?

There are usually fewer technical difficulties in open-pit mining, leading to a lower extraction cost per tonne. Signup and view all the answers

What are greenfield sites in the context of mining?

Areas that have never been mined for minerals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the strike rate for finding new gold deposits?

As low as 1:1000. Signup and view all the answers

What are brownfield sites in the mining industry?

Areas that have already been mined and may still contain valuable deposits. Signup and view all the answers

How can deposits near the surface be extracted?

By open-pit mining. Signup and view all the answers

How can mineral deposits on the Earth's surface be found using remote sensing methods?

By photographing an area of land from the air and carefully analyzing the images for signs of minerals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the unique radiation pattern produced by weathered mineral deposits at the Earth's surface used for?

To be detected by satellites and recorded for analysis. Signup and view all the answers

How do some satellites locate valuable mineral ores in rocks below the Earth's surface?

By sending signals to the surface and collecting reflected signals. Signup and view all the answers

What role do computers play in analyzing satellite data for mineral presence in a region of interest?

They process the data to identify any minerals present in the area. Signup and view all the answers

In what conditions can remote sensing methods for mineral detection operate?

In all weathers, through complete cloud cover, and at night. Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe a rock with enough of an important element to make it worth mining?

Ore Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Formation of Earth and Geological Terms

Earth was formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago.
Molten rock below the surface is called "magma."
The date after which mineral extraction decreases significantly is referred to as "peak mineral production."
The most well-known rock at risk of depletion is "coal."
The layer between the Earth's dense core and light crust is known as the "mantle."
The date indicating the peak of coal extraction is termed "peak coal."

Types of Rocks and Their Formation

Common examples of sedimentary rocks include sandstone, limestone, and shale.
Metamorphic rocks are formed through heat and pressure acting on existing rocks.
Notable examples of metamorphic rocks are marble (from limestone) and schist (from shale).
Initially, the Earth's crust was composed of molten rock that eventually cooled and solidified.
Changes leading to metamorphic rocks are caused by tectonic forces, heat, and mineral exposure.

Mining Techniques and Considerations

Sub-surface mining involves creating tunnels to access deep mineral deposits.
A drift mine that enters through an adit is referred to as an "adit mine."
Deep deposits in sub-surface mining are reached through vertical shafts.
Shaft mining is more difficult than open-pit mining due to confined spaces and ventilation issues.
Miners primarily extract minerals and ores in sub-surface mining operations.
Sub-surface mining incurs higher costs and more technical challenges than horizontal tunneling methods.

Mining Development and Site Types

Factors mining companies consider before starting a new mine include economic viability, environmental impact, and regulatory requirements.
Surface mines are generally easier to develop due to less complex logistics and lower costs compared to underground mines.
Greenfield sites refer to locations where no prior mining activity has occurred, offering untouched mineral potential.
The strike rate for discovering new gold deposits is relatively low, often below 1%.
Brownfield sites are previously developed areas that may contain remaining mineral deposits.

Mineral Detection Methods

Deposits near the surface can often be extracted through open-pit mining techniques.
Remote sensing identifies mineral deposits on the Earth's surface using satellite imagery and aerial surveys.
The unique radiation patterns from weathered mineral deposits aid in identifying potential mining sites.
Satellites utilize advanced sensors to detect valuable minerals through analysis of reflected energy.
Computers process satellite data to analyze mineral presence and inform exploration strategies.
Remote sensing methods are effective under various atmospheric and geological conditions.

Mining Terms

A rock containing sufficient quantities of an important element for economic extraction is termed an "ore."

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Test your knowledge on the peak mineral concept, which predicts the point when the extraction of minerals reaches its maximum level that will gradually decline. Explore topics related to the potential environmental impact and limited availability of resources like coal.