Mining, Metallurgy, and the Environment

These flashcards are designed to help students review key vocabulary terms related to mining, metallurgy, and their environmental impacts.

Metallurgy

The science and technology of extracting metals from their ores and transforming them into usable forms.

Hydrophilic

Having a strong affinity for water; tending to dissolve in, mix with, or be wetted by water.

Hydrophobic

Repelling or tending not to mix with water.

Flotation

A process used to separate minerals from their ores by using a mixture of water, air bubbles, and a detergent-like compound.

Electrolysis

The process of using an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction.

Ore

Rock containing enough of a valuable resource to be profitably mined.

Precious metals

Highly sought-after metals, such as gold and silver.

Base metals

Less valuable metals, such as copper, nickel, and zinc.

Tailings

Discarded materials from the ore processing.

Smelting

A metallurgical process that involves heating ore in air to extract metals.

Acid mine drainage

The outflow of unusually acidic water from a mine or tailings dump site.