MINING RESOURCES & PROCESSES

Question 1

Define the term ‘Mineral’

Answer 1

A naturally occurring, pure, non-living substance found in rocks

Examples include diamond and quartz.

Question 2

Define ‘Metallic minerals’ and provide examples

Answer 2

Minerals that create a group of materials we use as metals when refined. Examples:
* Iron
* Copper

These minerals are crucial for various industrial applications.

Question 3

What are ‘Fossil Fuels’?

Answer 3

Minerals that release energy when burned. Example:
* Natural gas

Fossil fuels are a major energy source globally.

Question 4

Define ‘Industrial Minerals’ and give examples

Answer 4

Non-metallic minerals used by industry and manufacturing. Examples:
* Salt
* Asbestos

These minerals are essential for various industrial processes.

Question 5

Approximately what percentage of what Canada produces is exported?

Answer 5

80%

This figure exceeds domestic usage needs.

Question 6

What does the mining industry provide for Canada?

Answer 6

Significant employment and economic benefits

The mining sector is a key contributor to the Canadian economy.

Question 7

What do government subsidies encourage in the mining sector?

Answer 7

Exploration of new deposits, research and development of new mining methods, employment opportunities

Lower taxes lead to more available money, resulting in more jobs.

Question 8

What is ‘Surface Mining’?

Answer 8

Used for oil sands, coal, and minerals near the surface. Less expensive but more visibly disruptive to the landscape

This method is often chosen for its cost-effectiveness.

Question 9

Define ‘Open Pit Mining’

Answer 9

For minerals near the surface that may extend deep. Creates large, terraced pits

This method is used for extracting various minerals, including metals.

Question 10

What is ‘Underground Mining’?

Answer 10

Extracts minerals located deep underground. More expensive but less surface disruption

This method is often used when surface mining is not viable.

Question 11

What is ‘Milling’ in the context of processing metallic minerals?

Answer 11

Separating mineral from ore through crushing, separating, filtering, and drying. Creates a product called concentrate

Milling is a crucial step in mineral processing.

Question 12

Define ‘Smelting’

Answer 12

Heating the concentrate with flux at high temperatures. Separates pure metal from waste material (slag)

Slag rises to the surface and is skimmed off, while pure liquid metal sinks and is cooled.

Question 13

List some environmental impacts of mining

Answer 13

• Land disruption and habitat destruction
• Water contamination
• Acid mine drainage
• Tailings management
• Reclamation challenges

These concerns are significant and require careful management.