Geology and Nonrenewable Minerals

Geology and Nonrenewable Minerals By: Brittany Farinas& Athenna Martinez

Mineral Resource 14-3 A mineral resource is a volume of rock enriched in one or more useful materials. Mineral resources can be divided into two major categories: Metallic (ex: aluminum) Nonmetallic (ex: sand and limestone) *Minerals are classified as nonrenewable sources*

Minerals and the Envoirnment Minerals are non–renewable natural resources that are vital for the construction, manufacturing and energy industries. The aim of sustainable mineral development is to ensure mineral use is kept to a minimum amount without having a negative impact on economic growth. This is achieved by efficient use of minerals as well as recycling and the use of alternative materials.

Surface mining Melting metal Smelting Metal ore Separation of ore from gangue Conversion to product Discarding of product Recycling Life Cycle of Minerals

Removing Mineral Deposits Surface mining, including strip mining, open-pit mining and mountaintop removal mining, is a broad category of mining in which soil and rock overlying the mineral deposit (the overburden) are removed. It is the opposite of underground mining, in which the overlying rock is left in place, and the mineral removed through shafts or tunnels. Surface mining began in the mid-sixteenth century and is practiced throughout the world, although the majority of surface mining occurs in North America.[2] It gained popularity throughout the 20th century, and is now the predominant form of mining in coal beds such as those in Appalachia and America's Midwest.

Types of Mining

Types of Mining (cont.)

Harmful Effects of Mining Because mining focuses on the removal of nonrenewable resources, mines exist only temporarily, and close once the area has been depleted of the desired materials. Unfortunately, the effects of mining last for years after operations have ended, and are often detrimental to the environmental health of the area. Some of the risks associated with mining include:

Deforestation Mining requires large areas that need to be cleared prior to mining activities. Large-scale deforestation results in the loss of oxygen producing plants, the destruction of vital habitats for wildlife and the disruption of an area’s ecosystem. Deforestation is also leads to extinction of indigenous animals, plants and organisms, thus reducing overall biodiversity.

Pollution Mining utilizes a variety of poisonous chemicals, including mercury, cyanide, sulfuric acid, arsenic and methyl mercury, which can leak into nearby water supplies or evaporate into the air, bringing them into contact with humans, and wildlife. Runoff from mining can cause sediment to enter the water supply, which can also carry with it poisonous chemicals and metals. Examples of mining pollution include acid rain, rock debris, mercury contamination, soil nutrients contamination and more. Mining also changes the chemical composition of the soil. Even when a mine is filled and attempts are made to bring it back to its original state, the soil nutrients have been removed or severely altered, making the land unsuitable for farming.

Health Concerns Because chemicals are used in various mining processes, poisoning from handling the material, or through contact with contaminated air, water or food, is a risk for miners and local residents. One of the most toxic chemicals is cyanide, which is often used in gold mining extractions. Miners can be poisoned by cyanide through inhalation, ingestion and by eye or skin contact. Cyanide spills can cause wide destruction, such as the January 2000 spill in Romania, which killed thousands of tons of fish and other aquatic life. Mining accidents are one of the leading causes of deaths in the industry. Between 1880 and 1910, U.S. mining accidents resulted in thousands of fatalities. The deadliest accident in U.S. history is the Monongah Mining Disaster, which claimed the lives of 362 workers in an underground explosion. In 1910, the U.S. Bureau of Mines was created to improve mining safety, followed by the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety

Distribution of Minerals 14-4

Distribution of Minerals The earth’s crust contains fairly abundant deposits of iron and aluminum. Manganese, chromium, cobalt, and platinum are relatively scarce. Experts are concerned about four strategic metal resources—manganese, cobalt, chromium, and platinum—which are essential for the country’s economy and military strength. The United States has little or no reserves of these metals.

Supplies of nonrenewable mineral resources can be economically depleted The future supply of nonrenewable minerals depends on two factors: • The actual or potential supply of the mineral. • The rate at which we use it. • Minerals may become economically depleted when it costs more than it is worth to find, extract, transport, and process the remaining deposits. Options when this occurs are: • Recycle or reuse existing supplies. • Waste less or use less. • Find a substitute or do without.

Market prices affect supplies of nonrenewable minerals Economics determines what part of the known supply is extracted and used. Standard economic theory may not apply because most well-developed countries often use subsidies, taxes, regulations, and import tariffs to control the supply, demand, and price of minerals. Most mineral prices are kept artificially low.

Case study: The U.S General Mining Law of 1872 Pg. 363

Using resources sustainably 14-5 Finding substitutes for scarce minerals through nanotechnology. A more sustainable way to use nonrenewable mineral resources (such as gold, copper, and aluminum) is to recycle or reuse them. Recycling has a much lower environmental impact than mining and processing ores. Cleaning up and reusing items instead of melting and reprocessing them has an even lower environmental impact.

Case Study: Industrial Ecosystems: Copying Nature -Pg.366

Geology and Nonrenewable Minerals