Extraction of Rocks, And Minerals From The Earth (Copy)
1.2 Extraction of Rocks and Minerals – Cheat Sheet
Methods of Extraction
| Method | Process | Advantages | Disadvantages | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Mining (Opencast / Open-pit / Open-cut / Strip) | Layers of soil/rock removed to expose deposits near surface | – Cheap- Safer than underground- High output | – Destroys landscapes- Habitat loss- Dust & noise pollution | Bauxite mining in Australia |
| Subsurface Mining (Deep mining / Shaft mining) | Vertical shafts/tunnels dug to reach deep deposits | – Access to deep minerals- Smaller surface footprint | – Expensive- Dangerous (collapses, gases)- Health risks (silicosis, black lung) | Gold mining in South Africa |
Factors Affecting Decision to Extract
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Exploration | Surveys, drilling, seismic methods confirm presence of minerals |
| Geology | Type, quality, and depth of mineral deposits |
| Accessibility | Ease of access (terrain, infrastructure, transport links) |
| Environmental Impact | Impact assessments required (habitat destruction, water pollution, dust, noise) |
| Supply & Demand | High demand = more profitable extraction (e.g., rare earth metals for tech) |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Environmental Management Full Scale Course