Chapter 19. Chapter 19: Mineral Resources

How are mineral resources mined and processed?

Why You Should Care

Mining requires finding and then removing the rock layers above the metal or mineral resource. Economics and the depth at which the layer is located decide which technique is used. Once mined, the ore, metal, or mineral is processed and purified. All stages create waste as the ore is separated, processed, and smelted.

If the target ore is close to the surface and present in large quantities, the easiest choice is to dig an open pit or surface mine and remove the ore directly. If the target ore is on the surface but present in small quantities, placer mining uses water or sieves to separate the small quantities out of the rest of the rock or soil. Surface mining leaves obvious scars on the landscape and displaces ecosystems directly. Placer mining can lead to erosion and water pollution issues due to the volumes of water it requires.