1
What are mineral resources, and how do we use them in modern society?
INFOGRAPHIC 26.1
Which of the following are considered mineral resources?
Metals like aluminum and copper
Gemstones like diamonds or rubies
Rare earth elements like europium and lanthanum
Building materials like sandstone and limestone
All of these are mineral resources.
E
Most mineral deposits:
are evenly distributed around the world.
are short lived and decay quickly after forming.
are found in rocks.
exist as pure seams in Earth’s crust.
C
Society’s use of minerals is:
a luxury rather than a necessity.
mainly of rare earth minerals.
on the increase.
limited to nonmetallic minerals like those found in sand.
C
List three ways in which you personally use minerals. What is something that you could do to decrease your rare earth mineral “footprint”?
From the chapter: cell phone battery, sunglasses, television screen colors, hybrid car batteries, wind turbines, electric car batteries, military night vision goggles, automobile catalytic converters, petroleum refining process, medical MRI scanners, gemstones and precious metals in jewelry, paints, your vehicle, cans and bottles, etc.
Possible changes: use cell phone longer before “upgrade”, recycle cell phone or television, recycle food containers, don’t buy a conflict diamond, etc.
2
What geologic forces help shape the planet, the rocks, and the minerals in Earth’s crust?
INFOGRAPHIC 26.2 and INFOGRAPHIC 26.3
Why is an understanding of plate tectonics useful for mineral mining?
It helps identify likely places to drill into the asthenosphere.
It gives clues as to the likely locations of mineral deposits.
Geologists know that minerals will not be found around plate boundaries.
These geologic conditions can be mimicked in the lab to make minerals.
B
Supplies of mineral resources:
are abundant and accessible with current technology.
are finite but can be costly to obtain.
will increase as more are made in the natural rock cycle.
are almost depleted.
B
Identify the three types of rocks and describe how each is formed or transformed via the rock cycle.
The three types of rocks are igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. Igneous rocks are formed when molten metamorphic or sedimentary rock (magma) cools and solidifies. If igneous rock is exposed to high heat and pressure (by being buried deep within the Earth’s crust), it can be transformed to metamorphic rock. Any type of rock can be weathered and eroded into very small components; these tiny pieces of rock can be deposited as sediments that can be compacted over time to form sedimentary rock.
3
How are mineral resources mined and processed?
INFOGRAPHIC 26.4 and INFOGRAPHIC 26.5
True or False: The processing of mineral ores creates some hazardous solid waste but does not generate air pollution.
FALSE
Which mining technique is used when the upper level of a deep mineral resource is located close to the ground’s surface?
open-pit mine
placer mine
strip mine
subsurface mine
A
Why does the mining of rare earth minerals cause more environmental problems than the mining of more abundant mineral resources such as sand or gravel?
Rare earth mineral do not occur in concentrated deposits but are scattered out in their parent substrates, making them exceedingly difficult to extract. This means that a large amount of rock must be processed to retrieve a small amount of minerals, as opposed to sand or gravel which require little processing. The processing can cause air and water pollution and may require the use of toxic chemicals.
Based on Infographic 26.2, what might be an advantage and a disadvantage of mining at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?
Possible advantages: thinner crust so easier to extract, farther from human settlement so pollution less of an issue.
Possible disadvantages: deep underwater so harder to extract, processing and transport may be more difficult from the middle of the ocean.
4
What are the environmental and social impacts of mineral mining and processing?
INFOGRAPHIC 26.6 and INFOGRAPHIC 26.7
The aspect of mining that can harm the environment is:
moving earth and rock to gain access to the mineral deposit.
the initial processing of the rock by crushing and washing.
removing the mineral from rock through smelting and chemical treatment.
all of the above.
D
Human rights violations associated with mines:
include the use of child labor in many developing countries.
are decreasing around the world due to better oversight.
mainly affect workers; this is a dangerous industry.
are highest in developed countries, where most mines are found.
A
Besides the enormous environmental damage caused by leakage of radioactive waste, what other environmental impacts would you predict that Mountain Pass Mine may have caused?
Possible answers: air pollution from the machines and equipment used; water pollution from the release of topsoil during road-building, deforestation and rock removal; decrease in biodiversity from habitat destruction.
What are some of the negative social impacts that mining may bring about? Do you think those occurred at Mountain Pass Mine? Why or why not?
Possible answers: worker deaths and disease, displaced landowners/farmers, decreased quality of life for community members due to pollution and disease, human rights violations such as child labor and forced labor, violence directed at protestors.
Some of these impacts are less likely to happen in the U.S. today, because it has stronger regulations and oversight (environmental, human rights and workplace) than most of the countries in which these social impacts are reported.
5
What can be done to reduce the negative impacts of mining and processing mineral resources and to address concerns about resource scarcity?
INFOGRAPHIC 26.8 and INFOGRAPHIC 26.9
The environmental impacts of mining can be reduced by:
developing methods to more safely process and store waste.
using more energy-efficient mining equipment.
avoiding mining in sensitive environments.
all of the above.
D
Give an example of how each of the following can reduce the amount of mining needed to meet society’s need for minerals: electronics manufacturers, e-waste recyclers, consumers.
Possible answers: electronics manufacturers can design smaller and lighter, or replace minerals with more abundant resources; e-waste recyclers can increase access to recycling programs and develop more efficient recycling technologies, consumers can replace their electronics less often, recycle rather than throw out old electronics, and buy locally produced electronics (at a higher price).
26-19