Mining Fact Book
Chapter 1: Minerals and Mineral Resources (18pts)
Introduction (2pts)
What are native elements (meaning as well as examples). How are they different from other
minerals? (2pts)
Create a table that describes what the 5 characteristics are that a mineral must have in order to
be called a mineral. (5pts)
Ore Minerals (2pts)
Illustrate the basic three ways in which minerals are formed. Hint: This is NOT the rock cycle.
Extra credit: include the forth method (3pts)
Why are minerals so important economically and industrially speaking? (2pts)
What is the difference between precious gemstones and semiprecious gemstones? (2pts.)
Chapter 2: Mineral Exploration and Mining (18pts)
Introduction (2pts)
“Did You Know” section about mineral exploration (2pts)
Explain subsurface mining. Include explanations for: room-and-pillar mining; longwall mining;
solution mining. (4pts)
Explain surface mining. Include explanations for: open-pit mining; surface coal mining;
quarrying; solar evaporation (5pts)
Explain placer mining. (1pt)
Explain hydraulic mining. (1pt)
Explain smelting (include flux). (2pts)
Explain undersea mining (1 pt)
Chapter 3: Mining Regulations and Mine Reclamation (18pts)
Introduction (2pts)
What are the environmental impacts of mining? Include explanations for: land subsidence;
erosion; soil degradation; air and noise pollution; water pollution wildlife destruction and
displacement; mine fires; human health issues (8pts)
Reclamation and its law (2pts)
State regulations for mining (2pts)
Make a table with the following “Acts” include a column explaining how the “Acts” relate to
mining: Clean Water Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Endangered Species Act; Comprehensive
Response Compensation and Liability Act; Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (4pts)
*Extra Credit* (10pts)
Super cool appendix page with extra information not covered above and not in your
Environmental Science book – teach me something new! ______/70=______ A B C
D F
