Canadian Mining Industry: Types, Locations, and Environmental Issues

What is mining?

The extraction of naturally occurring minerals from the Earth.

What are the two main types of mining?

Open Pit Mining and Underground (Shaft) Mining.

What mineral is mined in Saskatchewan and for what purpose?

Potash, used for salt and fertilizer.

Where is zinc mined in Canada and what is it used for?

In New Brunswick, used for brass.

What mineral is mined in Ontario and what is its use?

Copper, used for pipes.

What is mined in the Northwest Territories and for what purposes?

Diamonds for jewelry and industrial cutters, and gold for jewelry.

What is the primary use of coal mined in the Maritime region?

As fuel.

What type of oil is pumped from offshore rigs in Canada?

Oil pumped from under the ocean.

What is the method of mining used when deposits are close to the surface?

Open Pit Mining.

What are some environmental impacts of Open Pit Mining?

Destruction of vegetation, large volumes of waste rock, disruption of groundwater, and production of dust and radon gas.

What is Underground (Shaft) Mining?

Mining that is done completely underground using tunnels blasted deep into the earth.

What are some dangers associated with Underground Mining?

Cave-ins, destruction of vegetation, disruption of the water table, and dust and noise.

What are some issues facing the mining industry in Canada?

Negative environmental impacts, abandoned mines, loss of jobs, echo effect, exhausting supply, staying competitive, and boom-bust towns.

What is the impact of acid rain on forests?

It kills forests.

What happened to the mining town of Elliot Lake?

It experienced an economic disaster after uranium reserves depleted and the mine shut down.

What was the peak population of Elliot Lake during its mining boom?

26,000.

What is the lowest recorded population of Elliot Lake?

6,000.

What is the significance of abandoned mines?

They leave scars on the Earth's surface and can be dangerous.

What does exhausting the supply of minerals lead to?

The depletion of jobs when mines run out.

What is the echo effect in mining?

The economic impact on communities after mines close, leading to population decline and loss of jobs.

What is one method to visualize mining data?

Creating a pie chart for different mining regions.

What is the purpose of temporary support beams in Underground Mining?

To prevent loose rocks from falling.

What are the four mineral categories?

Metallic materials, industrial minerals. fossil fuels. and critical minerals

Who are the key players in mining?

Large mining companies

How are minerals extracted from the earth?

Open pit mining (big hole in the ground) and underground mining (tunnels are blasted deep into the earth to reach minerals)