Mining
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What is Mining
the extraction of valuable minerals from the Earth
Raw product
ore
High-grade ore
low impurities
Low-grade ore
high impurities
Types of Mining
Surface: above-ground Sub-surface: below-ground
What is Surface Mining
Removing large portions of rock and soil (overburden/slag), in order to access the ore underneath
Types of Surface Mining
Open-pit Mining Contour strip Mining Mountaintop Removal
What is Open-pit Mining
Keep digging down into earth, creating a large pit
What is Contour strip Mining
Harvest ore in strips (horizontally and on sloped terrain)
What is Subsurface Mining
Mining below the surface for minerals
Cons of Subsurface Mining
Expensive and dangerous - Below water table – water pumped out to prevent flooding Risks include collapses, explosions, poisonous gases
Environmental Impacts of Mining
Loss of Habitat Air Pollution Soil Erosion Water Contamination
What is Sand Mining
Using dredges to remove minerals from sand