5.01: Metals in the earths crust

Earth's Crust

The outer layer of the Earth composed of various compounds and elements.

Major Components

The primary elements that make up the Earth's crust, including oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and other metals and non-metals.

Oxygen

The most abundant element in the Earth's crust, making up 45% of its composition.

Silicon

The second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, comprising 27% of its composition.

Scarcity of Metals

Refers to the limited availability of certain metals in the Earth's crust, with only six being abundant.

Abundant Metals

Metals that are plentiful in the Earth's crust, contrasting with scarce metals.

Scarce Metals

Metals that make up less than 2% of the Earth's crust, including copper, zinc, lead, tin, mercury, silver, gold, and platinum.

Ores

Rocks that contain a high concentration of a single metal or metal compound that is economically viable to extract.

Economic Considerations for Mining

Factors that mining companies evaluate, including ore quantity, metal extraction potential, extraction challenges, costs, market price, and profitability.

Local Community Concerns

Issues that arise from mining activities, such as environmental impact and job creation.