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

2. 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. 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

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

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

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

7. Open Pit Mining

8. 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

9. Open Pit Mining
A digging wheel at work.

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

11. Open Pit Mining

12. Underground (Shaft) Mining

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

14. Underground (Shaft) Mining
Temporary support beams

15. Underground (Shaft) Mining
A scooptram at work.

16. 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

17. Mining Centres in Canada

18. Off Shore Oil Rigs (video)