the lithosphere

igneous processes -hydrothermal deposition -metamorphic process -sedimentary processes -protozoic marine sediments. -alluvial deposits. -evaporates. -secondary catchment. -biological sediments.

cooling and hardening of molten lava.

formed when dissolved iron compounds became oxidised by the oxygen released by photosynthesis producing insoluble iron oxide deposits.e.g magnetite.

material carried and separated by flowing water e.g gold.

as the purity of mineral decreases the amount of mineral present increases exponentially so low grade deposits need to be exploited.

includes all the minerals that can be exploited now when prices rise or new technologies are developed and that will neer be technologically or economically exploitable.

material theoretically available with those that can be exploited now or in the future with improvements of technology.

amount of material that can be exploited now economically using current technology.

IR spectroscopy-different minerals emit different wavelength of IR -gravimetry -magnetomotry -seismic surveys -resistivity -trial drilling -chemical analysis.

the lowest ore purity that can be mined economically using existing technology. higher market value-COOG decreases imporved extraction technology COOG decreases. higher energy costs-COOG increases.

land take -habitat loss -loss of amenisty -dust -noise -turbid drainage water. -spoil disposal -leachate-rainwater mobilises dissolved metals . mine sites can be passed through filter beds to immobolise them.

design of products so that materials are used and can be reused at the end of their useful lives.

-bioleaching -phytomining -iron displacment -leachate collection