Mining Types, Effects & Reclamation Potash Solution Mining Ponds – Moab, Utah

Mining The physical removal of useful rocks or minerals from the Earth’s crust. Usually involves the physical removal of rock and Earth –Disrupts previously existing ecosystems –Makes beautiful land look disastrous –Creates pollution problems – erosion and runoff

Types Surface Mining –Removes tons of soil, ore, or rock, often creating rocky waste that supports little life. –Often used to obtain coal Strip Mountain Top Removal (Appalachia)

Types Deep –Involves digging shafts and/or tunnels to access veins of minerals deep under ground. Used to obtain coal in certain areas and DIAMONDS.

Types Ocean Metal Mining –Barge-like surface craft serve as a base for dragline, dragnet, or suction-hose collectors. –Extremely expensive – is it worth it? –Who owns the rights? The United Nations is discussing it. Could be used to obtain copper, cobalt, manganese, and nickel – mostly from the Pacific Ocean floor.

These mounds of sea salt were mined from deeply buried beds deposited when sea water evaporated in an ancient environment. The beds were preserved by being covered and then uplifted in a modern terrestrial setting. Mining accounts for most of the annual salt production, even though it also can be obtained by evaporating ocean water.

Reclamation The process of restoring mined land to its previously existing condition or “fixing up” the land so it can be used for some good purpose. –Turning the land into golf courses, parks, housing developments. –Replacing topsoil and planting new vegetation

Coal Mine reclaimed in Kentucky – turned into grazing/pasture land for farmers.

The Oak Quarry Golf Course is situated in a former limestone and industrial mineral quarry, which produced many valuable minerals used in construction and manufacturing on the West Coast.