CGC1D Geography of Canada May 9, 2014 Mining CGC1D Geography of Canada May 9, 2014

Minerals A Mineral can be defined as a naturally occurring, pure, non-living substance found in rocks. Canada ranks 3rd in the world in the production of minerals.

3 Types of Minerals: Metallic Minerals- when refined, yield metals. E.g., silver, gold, steel, iron, copper Fossil Fuels- minerals that release energy when burned. E.g., coal, natural gas, oil Industrial Minerals- all OTHER things that are mined. E.g., sand, gravel, potash

Depending on the depth of the mineral deposit, there are 3 mining methods used: Strip Pit, Open Pit, and Underground Mining.

Strip Pit Mining Used when minerals are located close to the surface.

Open Pit Mining Used when the deposit is close to the surface but may extend deeper into the ground (ie, Alberta Oil Sands)

Open Pit Mining

Negative Impacts of Open Pit Mining Destruction of vegetation Large volume of overburden must be stored somewhere Disruption of groundwater Production of dust and radon from blasting

Open Pit Mining A digging wheel at work.

Open Pit Mining A digging wheel close-up. Bigger size = greater efficiency

Open Pit Mining

Underground (Shaft) Mining

Underground (Shaft) Mining Used to extract mineral ores located deep in the earth Potash mining in Saskatchewan

Underground (Shaft) Mining Temporary support beams

Underground (Shaft) Mining A scooptram at work.

Negative Impacts of Underground Mining Destruction of vegetation Influence on water table Need to excavate before mining starts More dangerous (radon gas, dust, noisy) - RESCUE

Mining Centres in Canada

Off Shore Oil Rigs (video)