Mining Benefits and Hazards

Question 1

Cu from Chile (active Cu mine)

Answer 1

Chile produces ~1/3 of the world’s Cu = 300k tons/year
- Cu has antibacterial properties, reduces infection rate by 40%

Question 2

Boron from the USA: What are some of the jobs available at the US Borax Mine?

Answer 2

• STEM professionals -> chemist, geologist, engg, environmentalist
• Mining support roles
• Millwrights, electricians
• Customer services
• Quality checkers
• Shippers

Question 3

Rare Earth Minerals from China (geopolitics and trade)

Answer 3

• Elements from the lanthanide group of the periodic table
• > 90% of the world’s rare earth elements come from China

Question 4

Tantalum from the Congo

Answer 4

minerals paying for military weapons, leading to war and human rights abuses

Question 5

4 Conflict Minerals and Uses in Cell Phone

Answer 5

Tantalite/tantalum - store electrical charge
Gold - coats wires
Tin - solder on circuit board
Tungsten - makes phone vibrate