1. Mining

2. Minerals vs Rocks
Minerals – is a naturally-occurring substance formed through geological processes that has a characteristic chemical composition, a highly ordered atomic structure and specific physical properties.
Rock – is a naturally occurring aggregate of minerals and/or mineraloids. Rocks do not have a definite chemical composition.

3. Mineral Resource: Any mineral useful to humans
Metallic Minerals: Iron Oxide, Gold
Non-metallic mineral: Limestone, sand
Fossil Fuel: Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas
Ore: A rock that can be profitably mined for a mineral (often a metal) or for minerals (metals)
High Grade Ore: has high concentration of the mineral
Low Grade Ore: smaller concentration

4. Ontario’s Top 10 Mineral Commodities

5. Mining Centres in Canada

6. What Do We Mine?

7. Open Pit Mining

8. Open Pit Mining
This method is used when deposits are close to the surface
Mass removal of ore that is economically viable
Impact
Distraction of vegetation
Large volume of waste created from this process

9. Open Pit Mining
A simple layered open pit mine.

10. Open Pit Mining
A digging wheel at work.

11. Open Pit Mining A digging wheel close-up.
Bigger size = greater efficiency, right?!

12. Open Pit Mining

13. Underground (Shaft) Mining

14. Underground (Shaft) Mining
Wire mesh to prevent loose rocks from falling.

15. Underground (Shaft) Mining
Temporary support beams

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

17. Underground Mining Impacts
destruction of vegetation
influence on water table
need to excavate before mining starts
radon gas produced in confined spaces
production of dust and noise pollution

18. Off Shore Oil Rigs

19. Issues Facing the Mining Industry
Negative Impact on the Environment
Abandoned Mines
Loss of Jobs
Echo Effect
Exhausting the Supply
Staying Competitive
Boom-Bust Towns