1. Earth Science Daily Challenge, 11/30 There will be a TEST on Minerals and Mining this WEDNESDAY. What QUESTIONS do you have about minerals and mining or the test?

2. Earth Science Daily Challenge, 11/19 As you watch “The Copper Connection” list and describe the steps required to mine and purify copper. In other words, what processes are used to get ore out of the ground and turn it into a useful pure metal?

3. Earth Science Daily Challenge, 11/20 What are some impacts of mining on the environment?

4. Mining Vocabulary Ore – rock with an economic amount of a useful substance Overburden / spoils – rock, soil, & vegetation overlying (in the way) of ore Tailings – solid waste materials left over from ore processing Refining – purifying the mineral resource (usually with chemical means) Nonrenewable – a finite resource (will run out!)

5. Mining Activities Surface Mining Open Pit – for large near-surface ore bodies Strip – for large area, thin, near-surface ores also:auger / hydraulic – pump up oil, gas, salt brines solution – for salts, gold ( anything that can dissolve) placer – for collecting dense water deposits Subsurface Mining Shaft or long wall vein – for deep, thin veins room & pillar – for deep large ore bodies Processing milling – powdering ores (produces dust/noise) smelting – heating metal ores to remove them refining – chemical processes for purification RECLAMATION ?! – “repair” the environment

11. Potential Negative Mining Effects Loss of wildlife habitat & other land uses Dust & noise pollution Water level drawdowns Water pollution (tailings chemicals, etc.) Acid mine drainage Ground subsidence Fires, explosions, collapses - loss of human life Acid rain from smelting Industrial wastes from refining