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Mining Processes

Mining Processes. 10/19/11. Review of Geology Terms. Geology and Geologic processes Catastrophic events: Volcanoes, Earthquakes,Tsunamis Plate Tectonics – Continental drift, Pangaea Plate boundaries: convergent, divergent, transform.

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Mining Processes

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  1. Mining Processes 10/19/11

  2. Review of Geology Terms • Geology and Geologic processes • Catastrophic events: Volcanoes, Earthquakes,Tsunamis • Plate Tectonics – Continental drift, Pangaea • Plate boundaries: convergent, divergent, transform • Types of rocks in rock cycle: Sedimentary, metamorphic, igneous • Relative dating by the Law of Superposition vs. Radiometric Dating • Weathering, Erosion and Deposition • Non-renewable resource-fossil fuels

  3. What is a mineral resource? • An element or chemical formed by geological processes.

  4. What are the two types of minerals? • Metals or Non-metals

  5. Metals vs. Non-metals

  6. What is an ore? • A rock with a high mineral content, which we extract by mining. • Higher grade = more mineral content

  7. What are reserves? • Locations on earth where mineral supplies are high, so we can mine there.

  8. What is a life cycle analysis of a metal? • Ecological impacts associated with a mineral from extraction to disposal.

  9. What is surface mining? • Mining of shallow mineral resources.

  10. What types of surface mining are there? • Open pit mining • Strip mining • Contour mining • Mountain top removal

  11. What is open pit mining? • Big holes in the earth for removing ores.

  12. What is strip mining? • A strip of earth is removed, minerals are extracted, overburden (soil+rock) is replaced, process is repeated.

  13. What is contour strip mining? • Cut terraces on the side of a hill and extract minerals (coal).

  14. What is mountain top removal? • Remove the top of a mountain, extract minerals (coal). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPixjCneseE

  15. What is sub-surface mining? • Deep minerals are removed through tunnels and shafts.

  16. Mining Pollution and Restoration 10/22/11

  17. What are the environmental impacts of mining coal? • Acidification of surrounding soil • Acidification of groundwater or adjacent bodies of water • Reduced plant growth/animal distribution ( biodiversity) • Corrosion of roads and drainage culvets • Increased soil solubility and transport of heavy metals (pollutants)

  18. Environmental impacts of USING coal? • Acidic deposition • Ecosystem degradation due to acidic soil • Global warming • Industrial/photochemical smog • Heavy metal fall out (Hg and As) • Leachate into water • Human respiratory illness

  19. Will coal use in the US continue? • Yes, it will increase! • Low cost! It’s cheap • Higher Availability than other fossil fuels in the US • Suitable replacement for oil (which is running out)

  20. Reclamation/Restoration after contour strip mining? • Recontour the land • Replace topsoil and/or nutrients • Replant native vegetation • Monitor for 5-10 years to ensure secondary succession

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