Lesson 6: Mining

Objectives:

In this lesson, you will learn to:

1. Describe how ore minerals are found, mined, and processed for human use
2. Know the importance of mining for the economical growth of global society
3. Understand the impact of mining on our environment arid natural resources

Mining and its Process, Benefit to the Society, and

Environmental Impact

In the last module we learned about the relevance of mineral resources on our growing society.
Now we are to discuss how minerals are found, mined, and processed for human consumption.

Mining is defined as the extraction and processing of minerals and other valuable geological
materials from the earth, either from an orebody, lode, vein, seam, reef, or placer deposits, for
commercial use. Metals, coal, rock salt, gemstones, gravel, and clay are some of the earth materials which
humans extract. In a more general sense of the word, mining refers to the extraction of non-renewable
resources, which include petroleum, natural gas, and sometimes even water.

People have been mining minerals since ancient times. It is one of mankind's earliest endeavors,
the other being agriculture. They are the primary industries of the earlier civilizations, and they are still
the two most important industries today.

Mining is a large, industry that

has been thriving for many
years. This is clue to the growing
demand for valuable minerals
which are essential for
manufacturing.

(Source:
vvvvw.bullion5treet.corn)

Mining has played such an i mportant role in the growth of our society that its history even
parallels with the history of our civilizations. Important cultural eras are associated and identified by
various minerals or their derivatives: The Stone Age (prior to 4000 B.C.E.), the Bronze Age (4000-5000
B.C.E.), Iron Age (1500 B.C.E. — 1780 C.E.), the Steel Age (1780-1945), and the Nuclear Age (1945-present).

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Most of the greatest events in history were triggered by mankind's need for mineral resources, such as
Marco Polo's journey to China and Christopher Columbus's discovery of the New World.

Mankind owes its progress to the development of mining. Without it, we will riot be able to have
materials which are essential to the creation of many of the things that we are using today. From the gold
watch on your wrist to the gadgets that you own, all of your belongings are made up of different kinds of
minerals which have been found, mined, and thoroughly processed for commercial use.

The process of modern mining

The overall sequence of activities in modern mining is often based on the five stages in the life of
a mine: prospecting, exploration, development, exploitation, and reclamation.

Prospecting

Prospecting is the first stage in mining. It is the search for ores or other valuable mineral
deposits. A geologist or mining engineer is commonly employed to locate mineral deposits at or
below the surface of the earth.

Exploration

After finding a prospective mineral deposit, it is time for exploration. This is the second
stage in the life of a mine. The size and value of a mineral deposit is being determined as accurate
as possible. Here the geologist or mining engineer will have to evaluate samples which will enable
them to calculate the tonnage and grade, or richness, of the mineral deposit. This stage also
includes estimating the mining costs, environmental costs, and assess other factors.

Development

This is the third stage, the work of opening a mineral deposit for exploitation. This is
where the mining of the ore begins. Access to the deposit is done either by stripping the soil/rock
covering the deposit, or by excavating openings from the surface to access deeply buried deposits
for underground mining.

Exploitation

The fourth stage of mining, this is where the actual recovery of minerals from the earth
happens. Exploitation varies depending on the characteristics of the mineral deposit. Safety,
technology, environmental concerns, and geologic conditions are other factors that are to be
considered at this stage.

Reclamation

This is the final stage in the mining operation. It is the process of closing a mine and re-
contouring, revegetating, and restoring the water and land values. Mining engineers need to
consider factors such as safety, restoration of the environment, and the subsequent use of land
after completion of mining operations.

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Mining Techniques
Mining is an industry that has been thriving for hundreds of years now. Over time, humans
developed ruining techniques to meet the increasing demand for valuable minerals essential to the growth
of the growing civilization. Mining techniques are classified into two: surface mining and underground
mining.

Surface Mining

Surface mining refers to the process of mining mineral ores that are close to Earth's
surface. The soil and rocks over the ore are removed by blasting. Remaining ore is either drilled
or blasted in so that trucks can carry large amount of rocks, which will be brought to factories in
order to separate the ore from the rest of the rock.

Types of Surface Mining

Strip mining: a process that involves the method of extracting the mineral by removing
soil and rock which are deposited on the surface. Coal and lignite are the principle minerals that
can be extracted through this technique.

Open-pit mining: this mining technique involves the extraction of geologic materials by
forming an open pit. It is the ideal method if the surface material covering the valuable mineral is
relatively thin.

Mountaintop removal: this technique involves mining the summit or the long and narrow
edge of a mountain. Environmental studies warn that this type of mining technique is harmful to
the environment and health of human beings.

Dredging: this is a method used for extracting underwater minerals. Oil refining is done
mainly through this method.

High wall mining: this involves the use of the Hydraulic Push — Beam Transfer Mechanism
to cut across the earths surface and extract large amounts of coal.

Underground Mining

This mining technique is conducted when the rocks, minerals, and precious stones are
located at a distance far beneath the ground to be extracted through surface mining. This involves
construction of underground rooms to work in.

Underground mining is usually done when the valuable mineral is found on the side of a
mountain. This is an easy and cheaper mining technique compared to surface mining because
there is less need for blasting and drilling.

Unsupported methods: these are used for extraction of mineral deposits that are roughly
tabular. They are called unsupported since they do not use any artificial pillars to assist in the
support of the mine openings.

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 Supported mining methods: these are often used in mines with weak rock structure. They
require substantial support in order to keep the mines stable.

Caving methods: these are versatile underground mining methods that involve caving the
ore. This method is used when there is an intention for the mine to collapse.

Innovative methods: these are used on mineral deposits that may require unusual
techniques or equipment.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mining

Minerals have become an essential part of our daily lives. Everything from the gadgets that we
use to the materials used for the construction of our homes are made up of minerals which are mined and
extracted from within the earth.

Despite the large impact of mining activities to the environment, we cannot deny the importance of
mining to our lives. Mining is an
industry that has been thriving for
many years now and it made a
great contribution to the
development of the society.

It is through the extraction of the

valuable minerals that humans
are able to accumulate many
different kinds of minerals which
they used for the development of
numerous tools, equipment and
other technologies which are now
being used for the improvement
of people's lifestyle. Numerous
industries benefit from the
valuable minerals that are acquired through mining. (Source: wwwbostort.corn)

Nevertheless, while we may benefit from the mining industry, it also comes with many disadvantages,
most of which are affecting the world we live in. Mining has negative environmental impact, which often
leads to the loss of land, pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. Mining operations that do not
follow necessary precautions are definitely going to cause destruction of the environment. There have
been many cases of landslides and contamination of water bodies due to careless mining operations.

In the Philippines, for instance, reckless mining activities caused the release of 1.6 million cubic metres of
mine toxic tailings in Boac River in the year 1996. Mining activities also caused siltation and sedimentation
of water bodies, which destroyed marine habitats and affecting aquatic life.

Mining, with all its advantages, should be kept under control. Despite the growing demand of our
developing society, we must never forget to take care of our environment.

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References:

Economics of the Mineral industries. Retrieved from:

http:fiwww.cienciaviva.ptiimg/uploadilritroductiork%20to%20mining.pdf

GreatMining. Surface Mining. Retrieved from: http:llwww.greatmirking.comiSurface-Mining.html

Mining in the Philippines: Concerns and Conflicts. Retrieved from:

http:Rwww.erivirosecuritv.ordsustainabilitylpresentationstWicks.pdf

Okube J. and Yamatomi, J. Civil Engineering Vol. 2 - Underground Mining Methods and Equipment.
Retrieved from: http://www.eolss.rietisample-chaptersic05/e6-37-06-02.pdf