Mining Reading

Modern Mining

The industry that involves exploring for and extracting minerals from the earth in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner.

Non-Metallic/Industrial Minerals

(Non-fuel minerals) Stone, sand, and salt are used for industrial purposes and are not used as fuel.

Metallic minerals

(Non-fuel minerals) Minerals that are naturally combined with other materials as ores are usually treated with chemicals or heat to extract the desired metal.

Fuel minerals

Minerals such as coal and uranium that are used as sources of energy and are processed using chemicals.

Factors Affecting Global Mining

Environmental regulations, fuel costs, labor costs, access to valuable ore-containing land, and technology.

Exploration

The process of determining the location, size, shape, and value of an ore body through various methods such as geologic mapping, remote sensing, and drilling.

Development

The stage where feasibility, financial analysis, mine design, acquisition of mine rights, and environmental impact assessments are conducted.

Extraction + Processing

The removal of ore from the ground through surface mining, underground mining, or in situ extraction (extraction by chemicals), is followed by processing to separate valuable minerals from waste material.

Mine closure

The cessation of mining operations at a site, including reclamation and safety measures to restore the land and ensure the affected areas are safe.

Three types of mining

Surface mining, underground mining, and in situ extraction using chemical solutions.

Environmental Impacts

The impacts of mining on air, land, and water, including particulate matter release, physical disturbances to the landscape, acid mine drainage, metal contamination, and increased sediment levels in streams.

Human Hazards

Health risks associated with mining, include lead, zinc, cadmium, silver, and gold contamination, as well as asbestos exposure.

Coal-Bed Methane

Greenhouse gas trapped in coal that is released during mining is used for energy to reduce overall methane and CO2 emissions.

Methane in groundwater

The discovery of methane in residential areas' groundwater, potentially linked to coal mining activities.

Mining Life Cycle

1. Exploration

2. Development

3. Extraction + Processing

4. Mine Closure

Acid Mine Drainage

Water infiltration of pyrite-laden rock in the presence of air causes it to become acidified; Enters environment through free-draining piles of waste rock that are exposed to intense rainstorms; groundwaters that enter underground workings which become acidic; acidic tailings containment ponds (waste materials)

Yellow-boy

Iron and aluminum compounds that stain streambeds

Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act 1890 (CERCLA) (Superfund)

Requires operations to report releases of hazardous substances to the environment and requires clean up or sites where the substances are found.

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act 1977 (Clean Water Act)

Requires mining operations to meet standards for surface water quality and for controlling discharges to surface waters

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 1976 (RCRA)

Regulates the generation, storage, and disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste using a “cradle to grave” system

The National Environmental Policy Act 1970 (NEPA)

Requires federal agencies to prepare an environmental impact statement for major federal actions that may significantly impact the environment