Future Of Mining

Question 1

What is smelting?

Answer 1

Process by which metal is extracted from its ore by heating beyond the melting point

Energy ⬆️ as purity ⬇️
—> may not be economically viable

Question 2

Better remote sensing image resolution

Answer 2

Satellites w improved sensors generate greater number of pixels and range of IR wavelength
—> more info on mineral composition

Question 3

Portable field equipment

Answer 3

Lab equipment smaller and lighter
—> IR spectroscopy

• Immediaye results save time reviewing at labs

Question 4

What is deep mining?

Answer 4

Using machines allows mining where people cannot go
—> gold and platinum mines in spot
Africa 3.8km deep

Question 5

What is open-cast mining?

Answer 5

Large machines in OCM allows overburden & minerals to be extracted easily and cost effectively

Question 6

Cradle to cradle design

Answer 6

Design of products so that minerals can be used at the end of their life