Mining and Mineral Resources PDF

Mining and Mineral Resources Environmental science Group members: Yuliveth Diaz Maripaz Flores Imelda Panteleon March 3,2025 1.)Mineral 6.)Smelting 2.)Ore Mineral 7.)Subsidence 3.)Subsurface Mining 8.)Reclamation 4.)Surface Mining...

Mining and Mineral Resources Environmental science Group members: Yuliveth Diaz Maripaz Flores Imelda Panteleon March 3,2025 1.)Mineral 6.)Smelting 2.)Ore Mineral 7.)Subsidence 3.)Subsurface Mining 8.)Reclamation 4.)Surface Mining 9.)Metallic Minerals Vocabulary 5.)Placer deposits 10.)Nonmetallic Minerals 1.) Mineral A natural, usually inorganic solids that has a characteristic chemical composition. An orderly internal structure and a characteristic set of physical properties 2.) Ore Mineral The naturally occurring material from which a mineral or minerals of economic value can be extracted. Usually minerals, especially metals, are mined first in ore form, then refined later. 3.) Subsurface Mining Surface mining is best suited to extract minerals that are close to the surface of the earth. It is also usually a more cost-effective mining method compared to underground mining. Common minerals extracted using surface mining are some of the most mined including coal, iro and bauxite. 4.) Surface Mining Surface mining is a form of mining in which the soil and the rock covering the mineral deposits are removed. It is the other way of underground mining, in which the overlying rock is left behind, and the required mineral deposits are removed through shafts or tunnels. 5.) Placer deposits Placers are a type of mineral deposit in which grains of a valuable mineral like gold or the rare earths are mixed with sand deposited by a river or glacier. Placer is also a mining method term. Placer mining uses water and gravity to separate gold from surrounding material. 6.) Smelting Smelting is a process in metallurgy where ore is heated beyond its melting point to extract a base metal. This process involves using a reducing agent, often carbon, to separate the metal from its ore. Smelting is commonly used to produce metals such as iron, copper, and lead from their respective ores. 7.) Subsidence sinking of the ground because of underground material movement—is most often caused by the removal of water, oil, natural gas, or mineral resources out of the ground by pumping, fracking, or mining activities.Subsidence is a general term for downward vertical movement of the Earth's surface, which can be caused by both natural processes and human activities. Subsidence involves little or no horizontal movement, which distinguishes it from slope movement. 8.) Reclamation The process of returning land to its original or better condition after mining its complete. combined process by which adverse environmental effects of surface mining are minimized and mined lands are returned to a beneficial end use. End uses may be open space, wildlife habitat, agriculture, or residential and commercial development. 9.) Metallic Mineral Metallic minerals are naturally occurring substances that contain metal elements in their chemical composition. These minerals are typically extracted through mining and are used in various industrial applications due to their metallic properties. 10.) Nonmetallic minerals Nonmetallic minerals are minerals that do not contain metal elements and are typically used in their natural state. 2. These minerals, such as limestone, gypsum, and clay, are often used in construction, manufacturing, and agricultural industries. A Mining Engineer is a professional who is responsible for the design and development of mines, as well as the extraction and processing of valuable minerals and resources. They use a combination of engineering principles and geology to determine the best methods for extracting resources, while also taking into consideration the environmental impact, safety and cost. Mining Engineers may work in coal, metal or nonmetal mines and are involved in all phases of mining operations, from exploration and discovery to the closure and reclamation of the mine. They must have a strong Mining Engineering understanding of mining methods, mining equipment, and mining technology. Career Associated A mineral is a naturally occurring, usually inorganic solid with a characteristic chemical composition, orderly physical structure, and characteristic physical properties. Ore minerals may form from the cooling of magma, the circulation of hot-water solutions through rocks, and the evaporation of water that contains salts. Smelting is when ore is melted at high temperatures to separate impurities from the molten metal. Some of the environmental consequences of mining may include air and noise pollution, water contamination, displacement of wildlife, erosion and sedimentation, soil degradation, subsidence, and underground mine fires. Federal and state agencies issue permits to mining companies, issue violations, assess penalties when mining companies do not comply with standards set by their permits, and ensure that abandoned mine lands are reclaimed. Chapter Highlight