Topic 4.4 Mining

Mining NL has some of the oldest rocks in the world! Our rock sequences bear witness to a vast range of tectonic forces. This = lots of minerals in NL Which economic development aided in the start of the mining industry in NL? THE RAILWAY

Tectonic Forces Forces generated from within the earth that result in uplift, movement or deformation of part of the earth’s crust.

Plate Tectonics and Newfoundland The Geological Formation of Newfoundland Over the next 150 million years (350 million years ago), forces within Earth’s mantle slowly carried these continents on a collision course. As the continents drifted together, the ocean floor (a volcanic island arc) was squeezed and then pushed upward to form the Appalachian Mountains. North American Plate African Plate Iapetus Ocean

Plate Tectonics and Newfoundland The Geological Formation of Newfoundland This mountain range now exists throughout central and western Newfoundland and is the northernmost part of the Appalachians in North America. This range, continues through most of the British Isles and in to Norway. Gross Morne National Park is part of this Mountain Range.

Early Mining Evidence suggests that various indigenous groups collected rocks that were used for tools etc. Archeological evidence suggests that mining has been going on in “this place” for thousands of years…wow! The first recorded European interest in mining is of Sir. Humphrey Gilbert mistaking pyrite for gold at Catalina. Pyrite looks like gold, but actually is not.

Historically Important Mining First major mining operation - Tilt Cove (1864) Copper Other major mines in NL Bell Island (1895) Iron Ore Buchans – 1906 – lead, copper St. Lawerence Flurspar mine 1933 - aluminum, tinfoil, glass

Bell Island Mining Started in 1895 Iron Ore Mining Tunnels out into the ocean Longest continually operated mine in Canada Supplied Germany before both World Wars.

Buchans Mining Zinc, Lead, Copper, Silver and Gold were extracted. Mine was in operation for half a century The economy of Buchans benefited very much from this mine.

St. Lawrence Mining Extraction of Fluorspar ore. Use to manufacture aluminum, glass and enamels. The mine closed mainly due to safety issues. There was a high incidence of lung cancer in workers.

Impact on Culture and Lifestyle Many miners were originally fisherman. Work Schedule – Long hours, 6 days a week Worked under a boss – direct supervision Every day safety risks Health risks – sickness, cancer from breathing in dust.

St. Lawrence Let’s complete a case study on the St. Lawrence Mines.