igneous rock
rock that forms when magma cools and solidifies
sedimentary rock
A type of rock that forms when particles from other rocks or the remains of plants and animals are pressed and cemented together
metaphoric rock
a rock whose crystal structure has been changed through heat and/or pressure
Prospecting
Process of searching for minerals by examining surface of rocks
remote sensing
a process in which information is gathered about the Earth's surface from above.
Radiation detection
They can be detected by their unique radiation pattern (recorded by a satellite and downloaded to a computer for analysis).
satallite signals
send signals to the Earth's surface and collect the reflected signals, indicating the presence of minerals.
Employment, Income, foreign exchange, Jobs from extract minerals, transport and refining
Economic impacts of rock and mineral extraction
geophysics
A series of vibrations (seismic waves) are sent through the Earth's surface.
Open cast or mining
Surface mining
sub-surface mining
deep and shaft mining
Loss of habitat and habitats will be destroyed
ecological impact of mineral extraction
noise pollution
What pollution may happen as an impact from rock and mineral extraction:
due to machinery and explosives
∴
disturbs the behaviour of animal species and causes hearing problems for people.
Water pollution
What pollution may happen as an impact from rock and mineral extraction:
may also be polluted, making it unsafe for people to drink.
Bioaccumulation
What pollution may happen as an impact from rock and mineral extraction:
the concentrations increase higher up in the food chain and cause the death of top consumers.
land pollution
What pollution may happen as an impact from rock and mineral extraction:
toxic nature of the waste doesn't allow plant growth even years after the mining is stopped.
air pollution
What pollution may happen as an impact from rock and mineral extraction:
dust particles settle on the vegetation, not allowing sunlight to reach the leaves and thus, reducing the rate of photosynthesis.
Visual pollution
What pollution may happen as an impact from rock and mineral extraction:
landscape is damaged
Biomagnification
may happen as an impact from rock and mineral extraction:
the concentrations increase higher up in the food chain and cause the death of top consumers.
Transport, welfare, Investing in infrastructure projects
Income from rock and mineral extraction can be used for:
Mine waste stored to prevent collapse, Prevent water pollution, monitored waste
Safe disposal of mining waste:
Landfilling
mine waste can be covered by a layer of soil, that can be enriched with fertilisers.
Tree planting
To restore land, you help the ecosystem be reborn by...
Bioremediation
a process of removing pollutants from waste using living organisms.
In situ treatment
treatment of contaminated waste where it's left.
Ex situ treatment
removal of contaminated waste from a site to a treatment plant.
Sustainable resource
a resource that can be continuously replenished e.g. agriculture, forestry, etc.
Sustainable development
development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
legislation
The governments pass laws that require manufacturers to become responsible for recycling and reuse.