Open Mining vs Underground Mining March 19th World Geography

Mineral Exploration % Note: only approximately 5% of mineral exploration goes beyond the stage. Many discoveries prove to be uneconomical Reason: The project cost are higher then the revenues

Technology & Mining As “mining” technologies improve, mining will become viable in more places: Technology may reduce the cost of extraction as: “ equipment performs more “quickly”. “ equipment is more “efficient”. “ equipment is more “productive”.

Open-Pit Mining Used to extract minerals near the surface Surface layer is removed and the Rock is extracted in layers Results in large circular pit with spiral roads within Huge holes and piles of waste rock remain after mining is completed.

Underground Mining Mineral is extracted from deep within the earth. Uses a system of shafts and elevators to extract the mineral aid to introduce mining equipment. Leaves little impact on the landscape (compared with open- pit mining). Waste rock near the mine shaft constitutes the main impact. It is the most dangerous and expensive method of extracting minerals.

Open Mining vs. Underground Mining Directions: 1. Label your paper/exercice Look at the picture and decide what type of mining it is