1. Minerals and the Environment
Chapter 27
Minerals and the Environment

2. How Mineral Deposits Are Formed
Ore Deposits – formed when metals are concentrated in anomalously high amounts by geological processes
Mineral resources are usually extracted from ore deposits

4. Resources and Reserves
Minerals are classified as:
1. Mineral Resources
Elements, chemical compounds, minerals or rocks that can be extracted to obtain a usable commodity
1. Mineral Reserves
The portion of the resource that is identified and from which usable materials can be legally and economically extracted at the time of evaluation

6. Availability of Mineral Resources
When the availability of a mineral becomes limited, there are 4 possible solutions:
1. Find more sources
2. Recycle and reuse what has already been obtained
3. Reduce consumption
4. Find a substitute

8. Impacts of Mineral Development
Environmental Impacts
Depends on many factors – mining procedures, climate, rock type, etc.
Social Impacts
Increased demand for housing and services in mining areas

9. Minimizing Environmental Impact of Mineral Development
Environmental regulations at the federal, state and local levels
On-site and off-site treatment of waste
Practicing the 3 R’s of waste management

10. Minerals and Sustainability
R-to-C Ratio
A measure of the time available for finding the solutions to depletion of nonrenewable resources
R = known reserves
C = rate of consumption