1.  Mining Processes 10/19/11

2. Review of Geology Terms  Geology and Geologic processes  Catastrophic events: Volcanoes, Earthquakes,Tsunamis  Plate Tectonics – Continental drift, Pangaea  Plate boundaries: convergent, divergent, transform  Types of rocks in rock cycle: Sedimentary, metamorphic, igneous  Relative dating by the Law of Superposition vs. Radiometric Dating  Weathering, Erosion and Deposition  Non-renewable resource- fossil fuels

3. What is a mineral resource?  An element or chemical formed by geological processes.

4. What are the two types of minerals?  Metals or Non-metals

5.  Metals vs. Non-metals

6. What is an ore?  A rock with a high mineral content, which we extract by mining.  Higher grade = more mineral content

7. What are reserves?  Locations on earth where mineral supplies are high, so we can mine there.

8. What is a life cycle analysis of a metal?  Ecological impacts associated with a mineral from extraction to disposal.

9. What is surface mining?  Mining of shallow mineral resources.

10. What types of surface mining are there?  Open pit mining  Strip mining  Contour mining  Mountain top removal

11. What is open pit mining?  Big holes in the earth for removing ores.

12. What is strip mining?  A strip of earth is removed, minerals are extracted, overburden (soil+rock) is replaced, process is repeated.

13. What is contour strip mining?  Cut terraces on the side of a hill and extract minerals (coal).

14. What is mountain top removal?  Remove the top of a mountain, extract minerals (coal). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPixjCnese E

15. What is sub-surface mining?  Deep minerals are removed through tunnels and shafts.

16.  Mining Pollution and Restoration 10/22/11

17. What are the environmental impacts of mining coal?  Acidification of surrounding soil  Acidification of groundwater or adjacent bodies of water  Reduced plant growth/animal distribution ( biodiversity)  Corrosion of roads and drainage culvets  Increased soil solubility and transport of heavy metals (pollutants)

18. Environmental impacts of USING coal?  Acidic deposition  Ecosystem degradation due to acidic soil  Global warming  Industrial/photochemical smog  Heavy metal fall out (Hg and As)  Leachate into water  Human respiratory illness

19. Will coal use in the US continue?  Yes, it will increase!  Low cost! It’s cheap  Higher Availability than other fossil fuels in the US  Suitable replacement for oil (which is running out)

20. Reclamation/Restoration after contour strip mining?  Recontour the land  Replace topsoil and/or nutrients  Replant native vegetation  Monitor for 5-10 years to ensure secondary succession