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Materials and Minerals
Investigation 6:
Extracting Minerals

This investigation will help you to:

Learn more about ore processing.
Learn more about tailings and if they are dangerous.
Learn more about characteristics of deep mines.
Learn more about human health problems associated
with some methods of mining.

Determining the appropriate mineral extraction methods can be tricky. Explore these web sites to learn about common separation methods based on the physical or chemical characteristics of the ore and its surrounding material:

Ore Processing

Virtual Copper Mine Tour Copper Mining In Arizona,
John Hernlund
Explore methods used to separate minerals from their host rock are explored at this site.

What are tailings? Are they Dangerous?

Safety of Tailings Dams,
Wise Uranium Project
This site will give you an introduction to tailing dams and the possible failures that could occur. The proper way to handle tailings is also discussed.

New World Gold Mine and Yellowstone National Park,
National Library for the Environment
Investigate the potential hazards of developing mineral deposits located near Yellowstone National Park.

TED Case Studies: Mining in Papua (New Guinea),
American University
The focus of this study is the environmental effects of the mineral resources development in Papua, New Guinea. Learn why local residents, particularly those of the Bougainville region, have taken to armed resistance to protest the mining industry.

To learn about characteristics of deep mines, visit the following web sites:

Past Projects,
Shaft Sinkers
View annotated pictures of deep mining projects at this site.

Bureau of Deep Mine Safety,
Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection
Visit this site to read about a miner's first day working in a deep mine.

There are human health problems associated with some methods of mining. Visit the following web sites to learn more:

Forum: Environmental Health Perspectives,
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Explore critical issues regarding the health of miners. Information on the hazards of mines as well as consequential health conditions of mining over time are offered at this site.

Safety,
NSW Mineral Council
Did you know that there are health hazards associated with emissions from diesel engines inside deep mines is offered? Click here to learn more.

The Environment Matters
Miners are victims to a variety of occupational hazards. Read the information provided on this page to get an overview of the different types and frequency of hazards the workers of one company have experienced.

Send all comments about this website to education@agiweb.org

Last updated: January 26, 2009

This project is supported, in part, by the National Science Foundation and the AGI Foundation. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.

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