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Mining. Mining. Mining is the process or industry of obtaining minerals from a mine Minerals are the valuable substances taken from rocks through the process of mining. Minerals. Minerals can be separated into two categories: Metallic Minerals:
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Mining • Mining is the process or industry of obtaining minerals from a mine • Minerals are the valuable substances taken from rocks through the process of mining
Minerals Minerals can be separated into two categories: • Metallic Minerals: • Mineral that yields a metal when processed • Examples include Iron, Gold, Uranium & Silver • Non-Metallic Minerals: • Mineral that yields non-metals when processed • Examples include Salt, Potash, Asbestos
Mining in Canada • Mining is of great importance to the Canadian economy ($83 B production) • Forestry and Fishing were $54 and $2 B • Canada ranks 3rd in the world in the production of minerals • Canada ranks 1st in the world in the exporting of minerals (80% exported)
Methods of Mining • Open Pit Mining • Underground Mining • Strip Mining
Open pit mining is used to extract minerals that are located near the surface but that may extend deep into the earth Open Pit Mining
The Diavik Diamond Mine The Diavik Diamond Mine is located in the North Slave Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. This open pit diamond mine produces 8 million carats or 1,600 kg of diamonds every year. The mine is connected by an ice road to Diavik Airport.
Underground Mining Underground mining is used to extract ores located deep in the earth.
Underground Mines Underground mines, such as the ones in both Thompson and FlinFlon are used when ore bodies are well below the earth’s surface This method has a less visible impact on the environment, but they are a great risk to human health
Strip Mining Strip mining is used to extract minerals (such as coal and oil sands), that are located in horizontal layers near the surface
Strip Mining The most common method of strip mining in Canada is strip mining the bitumen in the oil sands of Alberta This method leaves an enormous footprint on the earth’s surface
Issues Facing Canada’s Mining Industry • Use textbook pages 327 – 329. • Read each of the seven bullet-pointed issues on these pages and summarize each of them clearly and concisely in your notes. Use a heading for each issue.
Issues Facing Canada’s Mining Industry • While mines may boost the Canadian economy, they have negative impacts on the environment • Also, Canada’s mining industry can be damaged by events in other countries (such as economic slowdown – resulting in a decline in demand)
Issues Facing Canada’s Mining Industry • Resource Towns: • Short life spans • Usually directly related to financial gain • If the mineral drops in value or becomes too expensive to mine (may be cheaper elsewhere in the world), then mines shut down
Issues Facing Canada’s Mining Industry • New mineral deposits are constantly being discovered in other countries, particularly in developing countries, and are able to sell their products cheaper than the Canadian market • If Canada wants to compete with these markets, they are forced to find ways to reduce production costs (more mechanization, less jobs)