Locating Minerals
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This is an image of what remote sensing looks like.
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Mining Rights
Most mining companies don't own the area where the minerals are present. Because of this, they need to get permission from the government to start mining. However, there might also be other groups who have claims on the land. Such groups include the Indigenous peoples and other land users such as farmers. Resolving land claims can be a long process.
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Removing The Minerals
One the minerals are found and rights are given for them to be extracted, the mine is built. Minerals close to the surface can be extracted using open-pit mining. To use this method, a large hole is dug in the ground to access the ore deposit. If the ore deposit is too far underground, then they could be removed using underground mining. Vertical shafts are dug next to the ore deposit, so horizontal tunnels can be dug into the deposit itself.
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Refining The Ore
Minerals are embedded into rocks with other unneeded materials. There are 2 ways to separate the rocks, mechanical and chemical.
Once the minerals are separated and collected, all the waste material has to be removed. They can be dumped back into the open-pit mines or piled up nearby to form a hill.
- Mechanical methods include crushing the rock, then washing out the unwanted material.
- Chemical methods are when chemicals are used to wash out waste material.
- Ores with metallic materials can be heated to melt and collect the minerals.
Once the minerals are separated and collected, all the waste material has to be removed. They can be dumped back into the open-pit mines or piled up nearby to form a hill.
Impacts Of Mining
Impacts On The Environment
Removing minerals can directly affect animals. Mining for a mineral called Coltan can affect gorillas and any other animals living in Central Africa.
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Impacts of Refining Minerals
The process of refining minerals can release harmful chemicals into the environment, this can affect waterways and species in the area.
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Impacts On Humans
Most governments support mining for minerals, because it is an economic opportunity. However, making this decision isn't always easy since there are often groups opposing it, and for good reasons:
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