Mining Enviro 2 Go
Mining Objectives- You should be able to: Describe several methods of mining Describe important potential environmental consequences of mining Define reclamation Describe mining laws and regulations
Mining Important Vocabulary: Surface mining Subsurface mining Subsidence Reclamation
Why Do We Mine? Almost every solid object you see is made of minerals We mine to extract minerals and elements from the earth –Examples: quartz, aluminum, gold, silver, salt, zinc, coal
Types of Mining Subsurface Mining –Longwall –Solution Surface Mining –Coal mining –Quarrying –Solar evaporation Placer Mining Smelting Undersea Mining
Subsurface Mining Longwall Mining Solution Mining Mining Beneath the Earth’s Surface
Surface Mining Coal MiningQuarrying Solar Evaporation used for salt mining Used when deposits are located close to Earth’s surface
Placer Mining Mineral deposits that are concentrated by wind and water into surface deposits
Smelting Melting crushed ore at high temperatures in furnaces to separate impurities from metals
Undersea Mining Mining minerals from within the ocean floor
Environmental Impacts Air and noise pollution Water contamination Displacement of wildlife Erosion and Sedimentation Soil Degradation Subsidence – sinking of land over abandoned mines Underground fires
Mining Regulations Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 –Created regulations –Set standards –Created fund for reclamation Mining companies must obtain permits from state environmental agencies before mining –Permits specify standards for mine design and reclamation
Reclamation The process of returning land to its original or better condition after mining is completed
Mining Video West Virginia Mining
Remember This!!! Subsidence is the sinking of the land Reclamation is returning the land to its original condition or better after mining
Mining Quiz 1.What do we mine and why is it important? 2.What are the two main types of mining? 3.Name three environmental impacts of mining? 4.What is subsidence? 5.What is reclamation?