1. Chapter 16: Mining and Mineral Resources
Ashley Walker
Environmental Science
Period 2

2. Section 1: Minerals and mineral resources

3. Terms and definitions
Mineral- is a naturally occurring, usually inorganic solid that has a characteristic chemical composition, an orderly internal structure, and a characteristic set of physical properties.
Ore Mineral- minerals that are valuable and economical to extract

4. Quick Facts
Minerals that are valuable and economical to extract are known as ore minerals.
Ore minerals may form from the cooling of magma, the circulation of hot-water solutions through rocks, and the evaporation of water that contains salt.
Metals are important economically for their electrical and thermal conductivity, durability, heat, and corrosion resistance.

5. Pictures of Minerals

6. Section 2: Mineral Exploration and Mining

7. Terms and definitions
Subsurface Mining- ore deposits that are usually found 50 m or more beneath Earth’s surface
Surface Mining- ore deposits that are located close to Earth’s surface
Placer Deposit- these minerals are concentrated by wind and water into surface deposits
Smelting- crushed ore is melted at high temperatures in furnaces to separate impurities from molten metal

8. Quick Facts
Mining companies conduct mineral exploration to identify areas where there is a high likelihood of finding valuable mineral resources in quantities worth mining
Room-and-pillar mining, longwall mining, and solution mining are subsurface mining methods
Open-pit mining, surface coal mining, quarrying, and solar evaporation are surface-mining methods

9. Pictures of Mines

10. Section 3: Mining Regulations and mine reclamation

11. Terms and Definitions
Subsidence- the sinking of regions of the ground with little or no horizontal movement
Reclamation- the process of returning land to its original or better condition after mining is completed

12. Quick Facts
Some of the environmental consequences of mining may include air and noise pollution, water contamination, displacement of wildlife, erosion and sedimentation, soil degradation, subsidence, and underground mine fires
The U.S. government has enacted legislation that regulates mining and attempts to minimize the impact of mining on the environment
Federal and state agencies issue permits to mining companies, issue violations and assess penalties when mining companies do not comply with standards set by their permits, and ensure that abandoned mine lands are reclaimed

13. Pictures of Reclamation