Chapter 1 – Rocks, Minerals and Their Exploitation

These flashcards cover key concepts, processes, impacts and management strategies from Chapter 1: Rocks, Minerals and Their Exploitation.

What does the rock cycle represent?

The continuous changes between the three rock types and the processes (melting, crystallisation, weathering, erosion, compaction, heat & pressure) that cause them.

Which two factors determine crystal size in igneous rocks?

The rate of cooling: quick cooling → small crystals; slow cooling → large crystals.

What is molten rock called below and above Earth’s surface?

Below the surface it is magma; once it reaches the surface it is lava.

Give two common examples of igneous rocks.

Granite and basalt.

How are sedimentary rocks formed?

Weathered rock particles are transported, deposited in layers, compacted and cemented over millions of years.

Why are fossils often found in sedimentary rocks?

Dead organisms can be buried in the accumulating sediments before compaction and cementation.

Name three examples of sedimentary rocks.

Limestone, sandstone and shale.

What key process turns existing rock into metamorphic rock?

Heat and/or pressure that changes crystal structure without complete melting.

Give two examples of metamorphic rocks.

Marble and slate.

What is prospecting in mining?

Searching for minerals by examining surface rocks.

State one advantage of aerial photography in mineral exploration.

It can cover large or inaccessible areas and reveal rock/soil colours linked to mineral presence.

How are mineral oxides detected by radiation detection?

Their unique radiation patterns at the Earth’s surface are measured.

What role do satellites play in mineral exploration?

They send signals to the surface and analyse reflections to indicate mineral presence under all weather conditions.

Briefly describe geophysical seismic surveying.

Shock waves are sent into rock layers, reflect back to sensors, and produce patterns indicating mineral‐bearing strata.

When is open-pit mining preferred?

When a valuable deposit lies near the surface.

What is a quarry?

An open hole or pit from which stone is obtained by digging, cutting or blasting.

What characterises strip mining?

Removing overburden as thin strips to follow a horizontal mineral seam, commonly coal.

List two advantages of surface mining over sub-surface mining.

Cheaper extraction and lower risk of collapse/suffocation for workers.

List two environmental disadvantages of surface mining.

Greater habitat destruction and visual/noise pollution.

How is sub-surface (shaft) mining carried out?

A vertical shaft is sunk to the ore layer, horizontal tunnels follow the seam, ore is dug out and lifted to the surface.

Why can surface mining cause more biodiversity loss than sub-surface mining?

It clears more natural vegetation and occupies a larger land area.

Name three cost-related factors that influence a decision to mine.

Exploration costs, extraction/machinery costs, and labour costs.

Why must mineral concentration in rock be considered before mining?

To ensure it is high enough to make extraction economically profitable.

Give two accessibility issues a company must address before mining.

Obtaining a government licence and ensuring affordable transport of ore to processing plants.

What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

A study that outlines how a mining project will minimise habitat loss, control pollution, manage waste and restore land post-mining.

How does supply and demand affect the viability of mining?

High demand can make previously unprofitable deposits worth mining; falling demand can render active mines unprofitable.

Define bioaccumulation.

Build-up of toxins in an organism when intake exceeds excretion.

Define biomagnification.

Increase in toxin concentration at successive trophic levels of a food chain.

Give two forms of pollution caused by mining machinery and blasting.

Noise pollution and air (dust) pollution.

How can mining cause water pollution?

Leaching of heavy metals can acidify water and release toxic ions harmful to aquatic life.

Name two economic benefits of mining to a region.

Employment opportunities and improvement of local/national economy via exports.

How can mining improve local infrastructure?

By developing roads, transport links, healthcare and education services.

What is sanitary landfilling in mine restoration?

Filling the pit with alternating layers of waste and sand, compacted periodically.

Explain bioremediation.

Using living organisms (microbes or plants) to break down or absorb pollutants in contaminated mine waste.

Why is tree planting important after mining?

It re-establishes habitats, promotes soil stability and kick-starts ecosystem recovery.

Under what condition can an abandoned pit be turned into a lake?

If the rock lining is non-toxic and impervious to water.

What is a sustainable resource?

One that can be continuously replenished, e.g., timber, fish, agricultural crops.

State the Brundtland definition of sustainable development.

Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Give two ways to increase efficiency in mineral extraction.

Reprocessing mine waste for residual minerals and improving machinery performance through data-driven design.

Provide one engineering solution that reduces mineral usage.

Designing steel beams with the same strength while using less steel.

Why does recycling minerals save energy?

Processing scrap requires less energy than extracting and smelting fresh ore, lowering costs and emissions.

List two government actions that can encourage recycling.

Passing legislation making manufacturers responsible for recycling and offering tax incentives or fines to influence behaviour.

What is the purpose of making waste piles safe from collapse?

To prevent landslides, protect workers and nearby communities, and reduce environmental contamination.

How does processing ore at the mine site save money?

It reduces the weight/volume transported, lowering haulage costs and increasing ore value before shipping.

Why can incineration of mine waste be controversial?

Although it reduces volume and provides energy, it releases toxic gases and ash, contributing to air pollution.