Question

Explain THREE different methods of removing mineral deposits from the earth. List TWO types of minerals and their use in our society. Discuss the difference between a high-grade ore and a low-grade ore. Identify and explain THREE environmental effects that mining of resources has on the environme

Answer 1

1. Explain THREE different methods of removing mineral deposits from the Earth.

Answer: There are various ways of removing mineral deposits from the Earth.

Firstly, it can be done by "surface mining." This process involves the removal of the "overburden" (rock or soil) by heavy machinery such as earthmovers. Then, the mineral is extracted by excavators.

Secondly, it can be done by "underground mining," which is obviously a contrast to the surface mining. Such kind of mining targets both of the hard minerals (underground hard rock mining) and soft rock minerals (underground soft rock mining). This is also known as "sub-surface mining" because it tries to reach the mineral deposits by digging some tunnels.

Lastly, it can be done by "high-wall mining." This type of mining uses a continuous miner that opens an entry into the coal seam. The progress is monitored via gamma ray sensors.

2. List TWO types of minerals and their use in our society.

Examples of two types of minerals being used in our society are "iron" and "copper." Iron is one of the most common mineral that can be extracted on Earth. It is being used in making different kinds of tools that humans use. Copper, on the other hand, is often used for electrical wiring since it is a very good conductor of electricity.

3. Discuss the difference between a high-grade ore and a low-grade ore.

An "ore" refers to a natural rock consisting of minerals (mostly metals). They can be graded as either "high" or "low."

A "high-grade ore" contains more desirable minerals than a "low-grade ore." So, this also means that a high-grade ore has more metals in its composition than a low-grade ore.

4. Identify and explain THREE environmental effects that mining of resources has on the environment.

Although mining can be beneficial to the society, it can cause several devastating effects, if not regulated.

Firstly, mining can destroy the natural habitat for both plants, animals and humans. Thus, it can destroy the balance of nature. Secondly, it can cause air pollution. An example of this are coal mines which releases harmful gases like carbon monoxide, methane and the like. Lastly, mining can cause erosion because it is stripping the trees and areas which are supposedly meant to prevent flooding.