future mineral supplies

Question 1

how can the future exploitation of mineral supplies be increased

Answer 1

1) improved exploratory techniques

2) improved exploitation methods

Question 2

list some improved exploratory techniques

Answer 2

1) better remote sensing image resolution

2) portable field equipment

Question 3

outline how better remote sensing image resolution will improve exploration

Answer 3

• newer satellites carry improved sensors which generate more image pixels
• multispectral sensors detect a greater range of wavelengths of visible and IR providing more detailed info on mineral composition of earth

Question 4

outline how portable equipment has improved exploration of minerals

Answer 4

• lab equipment is smaller and more portable with more powerful batteries and energy consumption reduced
• saves time as results are available immediate and no longer needed to wait for lab results

Question 5

outline improvements in exploitation on the mechanical side of things

Answer 5

1) deeper mining- development of machinery allows for mining underground in areas that may be too hot or dangerous for humans
2) open cast mining- larger machinery allows overburden and minerals to be extracted faster and more cost effectively allowing deeper open cast mines

Question 6

list some strategies to secure future low grade deposits

Answer 6

1) bioleaching
2) Phytomining
3) cradle to cradle design
4) recycling

Question 7

outline bioleaching

Answer 7

1) use of living organisms to extract minerals from their ores
eg
Acidophilic bacteria- used to extract metals such as copper, zinc

• the bacteria oxidized sulfide ores and produces sulfuric acid which dissolves the metals
• metals produced by bioleaching can be separated by electrolysis

Question 8

outline Phyto mining

Answer 8

1) some plants absorb metal ions from soil and concentrate them in their leaves
2) once plants have absorbed metals the vegetation is harvested and incinerated
3) the concentrated metals in the ash can be dissolved using acids then separated by electrolysis

Question 9

outline cradle to cradle design

Answer 9

the design of products so that materials used are able to be reused at the end of their useful life
this includes easy separation of components and identification of materials

Question 10

what is the difference between pre-consumer waste in recycling and post consumer waste

Answer 10

1) waste that can be recycled which is produced before the team is sold to the public such as timing from post stamps
2) waster which is discarded after use from the consumer

Question 11

list issues with recycling schemes

Answer 11

1) transport
2) labour costs
3) separation
4) identification
5) energy cost
6) public cooperation
7) waste losses

Question 12

what are advantages of recycling

Answer 12

1) conservation of mineral resources
2) reduced energy use
3) reduced mineral extraction
4) reduced waste disposal impacts