PART 2 EXTRACTION OF MINERALS (SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE MINING) IGCSE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Introduction to Mineral Mining & Surface Mining00:00:00

Mineral mining involves extracting valuable minerals and geological materials from the Earth. There are two primary methods: surface mining, used when minerals are close to the surface, and subsurface mining. Types of surface mining include open-cast, open-pit, open-court, and strip mining.

Steps and Environmental Impact of Open Cast Mining00:01:12

Open-cast mining involves removing vegetation and topsoil, leading to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity. Rocks are then broken using explosives, and loose materials are removed with diggers and transported by trucks or railway wagons for processing.

Subsurface Mining Explained00:02:29

Subsurface mining is used when minerals are located deep underground, making surface mining impractical. This method includes deep mining and shaft mining.

Steps in Underground/Subsurface Mining00:03:06

Subsurface mining involves sinking a vertical shaft down to the mineral-containing rock. Horizontal tunnels are then dug to the mineral layer. The extracted loose rock is brought to the surface, often via elevators, and then transported for processing.

Uses of Different Rocks00:03:53

Various rocks have different uses: gravel for concrete, chalk and limestone for cement, sandstone for glass, granite for general construction, and clay for sand and other construction purposes.

Future Topics00:04:30

The next part of the series will discuss factors affecting the decision to extract rocks and minerals, and how to make mineral extraction sustainable.