Lesson 6: Mi Objectives: In this lesson, you will earn to: 1. Describe how ore minerals are found, mined, and processed for human use 2. Know the importance of mining for the economical growth of global society 3. Understand the impact of mining on our environment and natural resources Mining and its Process, Benefit to the So: Environmental Impact In the last module we learned about the relevance of mineral resources on our growing society. Now we are to discuss how minerals are found, mined, and processed for human consumption. Mining is defined as the extraction and processing of minerals and other valuable geological materials from the earth, either from an orebody, lode, vein, seam, reef, or placer deposits, for commercial use, Metals, coal, rock salt, gemstones, gravel, and clay are some of the earth materials which humans extract. In a more general sense of the word, mining refers to the extraction of non-renewable resources, which include petroleum, natural gas, and sometimes even water. People have been mining minerals since ancient times. It is one of mankind’s earliest endeavors, ‘the other being agriculture. They are the primary industries of the earlier civilizations, and they are still ‘the two mast important industries today. Mining is @ large, industry thot hhas been thriving for many years, This is due to the growing demand for valuable minerals which are essential for manufacturing. (Source: www bullionstreet.com) Mining has played such an important role in the growth of our society that its history even parallels with the history of our civilizations. Important cultural eras are associated and identified by various minerals or their derivatives: The Stone Age (prior to 4000 8.C.E.), the Bronze Age (4000-5000 8.C.E.), Iron Age (1500 B.C.£.— 1780 C.E,) the Steel Age (1780-1945), and the Nuclear Age (1945-present).Most of the greatest events in history were triggered by mankind’s need for mineral resources, such as Marco Polo's journey to China and Christopher Columbus's discovery of the New World. Mankind owes its progress to the development of mining. Without it, we will not be able to have materials which are essential to the creation of many of the things that we are using today. From the gold ‘watch on your wrist to the gadgets that you own, all of your belongings are made up of different kinds of, minerals which have been found, mined, and thoroughly processed for commercial use. The process of modern mining The overall sequence of activities in modern mining is often based on the five stages in the life of ‘2 mine: prospecting, exploration, development, exploitation, and reclamation Prospecting Prospecting is the first stage in mining, itis the search for ores or other valuable mineral deposits. A geologist or mining engineer is commonly employed to locate mineral deposits at or below the surface of the earth. Exploration After finding a prospective mineral deposit, itis time for exploration. This is the second ‘stage in the life of 2 mine, The size and value of a mineral deposit is being determined as accurate as possible. Here the geologist or mining engineer will have to evaluate samples which will enable ‘them to calculate the tonnage and grade, or richness, of the mineral deposit. This stage also includes estimating the mining costs, environmental costs, and assess other factors. Development This is the third stage, the work of opening a mineral deposit for exploitation. This is where the mining of the ore begins. Access to the deposit is done either by stripping the soil/rock covering the deposit, ar by excavating openings from the surface to access deeply buried deposits for underground mining. Exploitation ‘The fourth stage of mining, this is where the actual recovery of minerals from the earth happens. Exploitation varies depending on the characteristics of the mineral deposit. Safety, ‘technology, environmental concerns, and geologic conditions are other factors that are to be considered at this stage. Reclamation ‘This is the final stage in the mining operation. It is the process of closing @ mine and re- contouring, revegetating, and restoring the weter and land values. Mining engineers need to consider factors such as safety, restoration of the environment, and the subsequent use of land after completion of mining operations.Mining Techniques Mini developed mir of the growing, mining. industry that has been thriving for hundreds of years now. Over time, humans i ing techniques to meet the increasing demand for valuable minerals essential to the growth lization. Mining techniques are classified into two: surface mining end underground Surface Mining Surface mining refers to the process of mining mineral ores that are close to Earth’s surface. The soil and rocks over the ore are removed by blasting. Remaining ore is either drilled cr blasted in so that trucks can carry large amount of rocks, which will be brought to factories in order to separate the ore from the rest of the rock. ‘Types of Surface Mining ‘Strip mining: @ process that involves the method of extracting the mineral by removing soil and rock which are deposited on the surface. Coal and lignite are the principle minerals that can be extracted through this technique. Open-pit mining: this mining technique involves the extraction of geologic materials by forming an open pit. tis the ideal method if the surface material covering the valuable mineral is relatively thin. is technique involves mining the summit or the long and narrow ing technique is harmful to Mountaintop removal edge of a mountain. Environmental studies warn that this type of mi ‘the environment and health of human beings. Dredging: this is a method used for extracting underwater minerals. Oil refining is done mainly through this method. High wall mining: this involves the use of the Hydraulic Push — Beam Transfer Mechanism ‘to cut across the earths surface and extract large amounts of coal. Underground Mining This mining technique is conducted when the rocks, minerals, and precious stones are located at a distance far beneath the ground to be extracted through surface mining, This involves construction of underground rooms to work in, Underground mining is usually done when the valuable mineral is found on the side of a mountain, This is an easy and cheaper mining technique compared to surface mining because there is less need for blasting and drilling. Unsupported methods: these are used for extraction of mineral depasits that are roughly ‘tabular. They are called unsupported since they do not use any artificial pillars to assist in the support of the mine openings.‘Supported mining methads: these are often used in mines with weak rock structure. They require substantial support in order to keep the mines stable. Caving methods: these are versatile underground mining methods that involve caving the ore. This method is used when there is an intention for the mine to collapse. Innovative methods: these are used on mineral deposits that may require unusual techniques or equipment. Advantages and Disadvantages of Mining Minerals have become an essential part of our daily lives. Everything from the gadgets that we use to the materials used for the construction of our homes are made up of minerals which are mined and extracted from within the earth. Despite the large impact of mining activities to the environment, we cannot deny the importance of mining to our lives. Minit industry that has been thriving for many years now, and it made a great contribution to the development of the society. It is through the extraction of the valuable minerals that humans are able to accumulate many jerent kinds of minerals which ‘they used for the development of numerous tools, equipment and other technologies which are now being used for the improvement of people's lifestyle. Numerous industries benefit from the valuable minerals that are acquired through mining. (Source: wuw-bostan.com) Nevertheless, while we may benefit from the mining industry, it also comes with many disadvantages, most of which are affecting the world we live in. Mining has negative environmental impact, which often leads to the loss of land, pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. Mining operations that do not follow necessary precautions are definitely going to cause destruction of the environment, There have been many cases of landslides and contamination of water bodies due to careless mining operations. In the Phil mine toxic 12s, for instance, reckless mining activities caused the release of 1.6 million cul lings in Boac River in the year 1996. Mining activities also caused siltation and sec of water bodies, which destroyed marine habitats and affecting aquatic life metres of ents Mining, with all its advantages, should be kept under control. Despite the growing demand of our developing society, we must never forget to take care of our environment.References: Economics of the Mineral industries. Retrieved from: http://www.ciencieviva.pt/img/upload/Introduction%20%0%20mining.pdf GreatMining. Surface Mining. Retrieved from: http://www greatmining.com/Surface-Mining.htrl Mining in the Philippines: Concerns and Conflicts. Retrieved from: resentations/Wicks.pdf htte://www.envirosecurity.org/sustainabi ‘Okubo J. and Yamatomi, J. Civil Engineering Vol. 2 - Underground Mining Methods and Equipment. Retrieved from: http://www.eolss.net/sample-chapters/c05/e6-37-06-02.pdf