INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

UTILISATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Introduction

A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic substance with a definite chemical composition and a
crystalline structure.

Minerals can be found in rocks, ores and natural mineral deposits, and they have specific physical
properties like hardness, luster and cleavage

They are obtained through mining process before they are subjected to processing for a wide range of
use

TYPES OF MINERALS
1 Metallic minerals

These serve as potential source of metals and can be extracted through mining

Examples

1. Manganese
2. Iron ore
3. Bauxite

Metallic minerals can further be categorized into;

1. Ferrous metallic minerals which contain iron

2. Non-ferrous metallic minerals which do not contain iron

2 Non-metallic minerals

These minerals either show non-metallic luster or have a shiny appearance

Extractable metals are not common in their chemical composition

Examples

1. limestone
2. mica

SOURCES OF MINERALS
Magnetic sources; are those that exhibit magnetic properties due to presence of magnetic minerals like
magnetite and hametite. These deposits can form through various geological process e.g. igneous
intrusion, metamorphism or hydrothermal activity examples include iron ore deposits
Sedimentary sources; are formed through accumulation and concentration of minerals within
sedimentary rocks these can occur through processes like weathering erosion. Examples include coal,
iron ore and uranium deposits

Hydrothermal resources; form when hot mineral rich fluids circulate through fractures in the earths
crust and then precipitate minerals as they cool. These fluids are often derived from magma or heated
ground water. Examples include gold, silver, copper and lead deposits

BENEFITS OF MINERALS
1. Industrial application; minerals such as nickel, copper, aluminum nickel and iron are essential
for manufacturing electronics and vehicles enhancing economic development
2. Energy production; minerals such as coal, oil natural gas and uranium are vital for producing
energy and powering homes
3. Fertilizers; minerals like phosphate and potash are critical components of fertilizers enhancing
soil fertility and agricultural reproductivity
4. Aesthetic and decorative purpose; minerals like gold and silver are prized for their beauty used
in jewelry art and luxury goods
5. Healthcare; minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are essential for human health,
supporting borne strength and nerve function
6. Construction; minerals like limestone, granite, gravel and sand are essential for constructing
buildings roads and bridges

EFFECTS OF MINING TO THE ENVIRONMENT

1. Leads to destruction of biodiversity due to destruction of vegetation which also destroys
habitats for various animals
2. Causes soil degradation e.g. loosening the soil making it vulnerable to soil erosion
3. Causes mass wasting when explosives and heavy equipment used in mining the mineral making
weathered materials move down the slope faster under the influence of gravity
4. Pollutes the environment e.g. atmospheric pollution from dust and smoke, water pollution from
spilling of oil on the seas and soil pollution from chemicals and explosives
5. Renders land useless for other economic activities such as agriculture due to open pits left on
the land
6. Social impact where mining can cause social conflicts and displacement of communities

MITIGATION EFFECTS OF MINING

Mining can have environment and social impacts but there are several mitigation measures that can
help minimize these effects

1. Sustainable mining practice; Promote responsible mining techniques that minimize

environmental impact, reduce waste generation and prioritize the restoration of mined areas
through rehabilitation
2. Biodiversity conservation; Implementing measures to protect and conserve local biodiversity
such as habitat restoration
3. Community engagement; Engage the local communities, addressing their concerns and ensure
they benefit from mining activities by employment and infrastructure development
4. Environmental assessment; Conducting thorough assessment of the environment before
starting mining operations helps identify potential environmental impacts
5. Land reclamation; Implementing reclamation plans to restore mined areas to a natural and
usable after mining activity cease
6. Water management; Properly managing water usage, runoff and contamination to prevent
water pollution and provide clean water for communities
7. Waste management; Mining generates large amounts of wastes. Implementing waste reduction
strategies, recycling materials where possible and safely depositing to prevent contamination of
water and soil resources