Chapter 18

Question 1

Resource vs Reserve

Answer 1

Resource- natural material concentration (of natural material, solid/gas/liquid, on crust/surface) that can be, or potentially be extracted at a profit (utilized)

Reserve- known resource currently available for extraction (economically profitable, and legally allowed) (extraction processes must be cheaper than the profit made from resources) (finite quantity) (cost of maintaining the reserve, rather than exhausting the resource)

Question 2

Mineral Deposit Types: Magmatic Nickel Deposit

Answer 2

related to different types of magnetic processes. Magma body (volcano, down in the Earth, etc.) creates/forms a nickel deposit.
Depends on the magma body (not all form nickel deposits). Contains more iron and magnesium silicates (igneous rocks) than nickel.
In order to form a deposit, nickel and copper bonds with other elements like sulfur to make sulfide minerals, which are heavy and sink to the bottom, which creates a higher concentration of minerals at bottom of magma chamber. Tectonic uplift/erosion to bring up magma body, to make it more economically profitable. A lot of heat is required to separate nickel/copper from unvaluable minerals. Occurs in lithosphere

Question 3

Mineral Deposit Types: Massive Sulfide Deposits

Answer 3

underwater (middle of ocean/great depths), “black smokers” hot water is instantly cooled and forms sulfide mineral black “smoke.”
A lot of water surrounds the mid-ocean ridge/magma body, and it makes its way through the cracks/fractures/pore space and raises the magma body and minerals to the surface.
The water becomes enriched in minerals. Creates a sulfide deposit when the water circulates to the top, and heated by the magma below. Not always economically extractable

Question 4

Aggregate

Answer 4

sand and/or gravel (sized particles). Quarried (not exactly mined, salt is an exception).
Looking for deposits near glaciers, where minerals are carried by melting glaciers into channels. Sometimes mechanically sorted. Materials usually used for construction, and cement making.

Question 5

Stone

Answer 5

limestone (common, main component of cement), granite, marble and slate. Quarry of stone. Can be for luxury (marble and granite). Crushed rock (salt), used for road construction

Question 6

Evaporites

Answer 6

salt and gypsum (commonly desired).
Mined from evaporite formations, deposited through evaporation. Found in drier/desert areas (Nevada, Death Valley) found in temporary water locations. Water evaporates and leaves behind minerals that can’t be evaporated. Gypsum is a main component of drywall

Question 7

Reducing/Rectifying Impact:

Answer 7

minimizing impacts is key

Environmental regulations- recycling (what’s been extracted/used), reducing use of resource(s). Applying regulations to address issues (pollutions, excess sediments) or any disruptions in natural processes (water cycle). Proper ventilation on mining sites.

On/off-site waste treatment- clean up after mining/extraction is done. Clean Air Act, etc., government regulations.

Waste management- sediments, air/water pollution. Reduce (amount of waste), maximize the Reuse (and use) of materials, Recycling (of wasted materials)