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Mining

Mining for coal is something that is widely known, but did you know that diamonds, uranium, copper, and other non-renewable natural resources are also mined? There are two types of mining; surface and subsurface. Questions about the methods and types of mining, what ores are mined, and related questions should be asked in this category.

4,677 Questions

What is the ore of gold and siver?

Gold is typically found in its native form as a metal, often mixed with quartz or other minerals. Silver is most commonly found as a compound with other elements, such as in silver sulfide or silver chloride minerals. Both gold and silver can also be extracted from various ores such as pyrite, galena, or sphalerite.

Why do miners use light?

Because there is no light in an underground mine- you have to use artificial lights, such as a miner's cap lamp. It allows you to see what you are doing, but have your hands free to work.

They have atificial lighting in the marjority of mines strung to the roof (the top of the tunnel) however, at the "face" (working areas) there is very little light from these as there is no light reflected then a head lamp is used as it shines directly in the dircetly the minors head is facing.

What mineral is mined at Weipa?

Bauxite is the main mineral mined at Weipa, which is one of the world's largest bauxite mine locations. Bauxite is the primary source of aluminum and is used in industries such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

Why did the early mining companies fail to protect the miners from the lead in the gold dust?

Early mining companies failed to protect miners from lead in gold dust due to a lack of understanding about the health risks associated with lead exposure. Additionally, there were limited regulations and safety standards in place during that time to address these issues, leading to negligence and inadequate protection measures for the miners.

Is iron a reactive metal How difficult is the metal to extract from its ore What method of extraction is used?

Yes Iron is a reactive metal but it is not an 'energetic' metal. The energy required to get a reaction started is low compared to something like Gold, and the amount of energy you get from a reaction is also low compared to something like Aluminum or Magnesium. So it is easy to get Iron to react but because the energy you get in return from the reaction is low the reaction does not progress quickly - it doesn't feed itself so to speak.

It is relatively easy to extract iron from its ores. The Iron age was well under way by 1000BC. However it is not as easy as Copper and Tin, which is why the Bronze age preceded the Iron age.

In refining Iron from its ore you put the iron ore in an oxygen deprived environment. This is done by surrounding the ore with coal so that the Carbon in the coal 'robs' the oxygen off of the Iron to foster its own oxidation. This gives the iron not chance to re-oxidize.

How is coppper exstracted from its ore?

Copper is extracted from its ore through a process called smelting, where the ore is heated to high temperatures in a furnace with carbon, which reduces the copper oxide to copper metal. The molten copper can then be cast into shapes or further processed to purify it.

How is phosphorescence helpful in mining eucryptite?

Phosphorescence can be useful in mining eucryptite because it can help identify the presence of this mineral in the ore. Eucryptite typically exhibits phosphorescence under ultraviolet light, making it easier to distinguish from other minerals. This property can aid miners in locating and extracting eucryptite from the surrounding material.

How do you separate pyrite from flour gold?

One way to separate pyrite from flour gold is through panning. Pyrite is denser than gold, so it will sink to the bottom of the pan while flour gold will remain suspended in the water. By carefully pouring off the water and retaining the lighter flour gold, you can separate the two.

What are the steps for ore to be a useful product?

  1. Mining: Ore is extracted from the earth.
  2. Processing: The ore is processed to extract the valuable minerals.
  3. Refining: The extracted minerals are further purified to remove impurities.
  4. Manufacturing: The refined minerals are used to create useful products.

How much nickel is left in the world?

It is estimated that there are roughly 71 million metric tons of nickel reserves left in the world. However, the exact amount may vary as new deposits are discovered and extraction technologies improve.

Which metal ore do you m ine to extract steel?

Iron ore is the metal ore mined to extract steel. Iron ore is a key raw material used in the production of steel through a process called smelting, where the iron ore is heated with coke and limestone in a blast furnace to remove impurities and create steel.

What can cyanide be used in terms of mining?

Cyanide is commonly used in mining to extract gold and other precious metals from ores. It forms a strong bond with gold, allowing it to dissolve and separate from the ore. However, the use of cyanide in mining can pose environmental and health risks if not managed properly.

What pollution does limestone form?

Limestone itself does not form pollution, but when limestone is burned in the production of cement, it can release air pollutants such as carbon dioxide and particulate matter. Additionally, limestone quarrying can cause soil erosion and water pollution from sediment runoff.

How does mining affect water cycle?

Mining can disrupt the water cycle by contaminating groundwater and surface water with pollutants such as heavy metals and chemicals. This can lead to water scarcity, decrease in water quality, and harm aquatic ecosystems. Mining activities can also alter the natural flow of water and contribute to erosion and sedimentation in water bodies.

What is the purpose of mining copper?

The purpose of mining copper is to extract the metal for use in various industries such as construction, electronics, and transportation. Copper is a crucial component in electrical wiring, plumbing, and manufacturing of products like cars and appliances.

What is push back in mining?

Push back in mining refers to the process of removing overburden and ore from a mining area in layers, starting from the furthest point and working towards the main pit. This allows for efficient extraction of resources while maintaining the stability and safety of the mining operation. The push back method is commonly used in open-pit mines to maximize ore recovery and minimize material handling costs.

What does mining have to do with metal ores?

Mining is the process of extracting valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth, which includes metal ores such as copper, iron, gold, and silver. Metal ores are found in the earth's crust and are mined through various methods like underground mining, open-pit mining, and strip mining to extract the desired metals for use in various industries.

How do you separate gold from ore?

Gold can be separated from ore through various methods such as gravity separation, flotation, and cyanidation. Gravity separation uses the difference in density to separate gold particles from the ore. Flotation involves adding chemicals to create a froth that selectively separates gold particles. Cyanidation involves using cyanide to dissolve gold from the ore.

Describe an event that must occur in order for diamonds to reach earth's surface?

From Susan Ward Aber, in her paper, "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Diamonds":

"Diamond may be up to 3 billion years old, which is much older than their surface host rock. Diamond crystallization originates some 200 kilometers, or 320 miles, beneath the surface and the disaggregated crystals are merely transported to the surface via kimberlite and lamproite [volcanic] pipes. These igneous host rock formations are roughly cylindrical in shape and act as a conduit from the Earth's mantle to the contintental crust."

In order for the [volcanic] pipe to exist, "...Volcanic pipes form as the result of violent eruptions of deep-origin volcanoes."

Read more about volcanic pipes, below.

What metals can be extracted from its ore by heat alone?

Metals like gold and silver can be extracted from their ores by heat alone. This is because these metals have relatively low melting points and can be separated from their ores through processes like smelting or cupellation where the ore is heated to high temperatures to extract the metal.

What is cause of mining?

Mining is the process of extracting valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth's surface or underground. The main reasons for mining include obtaining essential resources for manufacturing, energy production, and construction. However, mining can also have negative environmental consequences if not conducted sustainably.

The Tropic of Capricorn runs through which African nation where 25 percent of the Gross National Product comes from the mining of precious ores and stones such as diamonds copper and gold?

The Tropic of Capricorn runs through Botswana, where mining of precious ores and stones such as diamonds, copper, and gold contribute significantly to the economy, accounting for about 25 percent of the Gross National Product.

How rocks are mined in a quarry?

Rocks are mined in a quarry by blasting or drilling to break up the rock into manageable pieces. Heavy machinery such as excavators and dump trucks are then used to extract the rocks from the quarry. The rocks are crushed and processed for various uses in construction or manufacturing.

How can you reduce your need for mineral ore?

You can reduce your need for mineral ore by recycling materials instead of disposing them. Buying used items and products made from recycled materials can also help reduce the demand for new mineral ore. Additionally, consider opting for products that have minimal packaging to reduce waste.

A type of luster which resembles that of broken glass?

This type of luster is known as subadamantine. It is characterized by a shiny, reflective appearance similar to broken glass, often seen in minerals like diamond, zircon, and sphalerite.