the lithosphere Flashcards
what geological processes have created exploitable mineral deposits
igneous processes
-hydrothermal deposition
-metamorphic process
-sedimentary processes
-protozoic marine sediments.
-alluvial deposits.
-evaporates.
-secondary catchment.
-biological sediments.
what are igneous processes
cooling and hardening of molten lava.
what are protozoic marine sediments
formed when dissolved iron compounds became oxidised by the oxygen released by photosynthesis producing insoluble iron oxide deposits.e.g magnetite.
what are alluvial deposits
material carried and separated by flowing water e.g gold.
What does the Laskys principle state-
as the purity of mineral decreases the amount of mineral present increases exponentially so low grade deposits need to be exploited.
what is a stock/resource base
includes all the minerals that can be exploited now when prices rise or new technologies are developed and that will neer be technologically or economically exploitable.
resource
material theoretically available with those that can be exploited now or in the future with improvements of technology.
reserve
amount of material that can be exploited now economically using current technology.
what are some survey techniques
IR spectroscopy-different minerals emit different wavelength of IR
-gravimetry
-magnetomotry
-seismic surveys
-resistivity
-trial drilling
-chemical analysis.
what is the cut off ore grade-
the lowest ore purity that can be mined economically using existing technology.
higher market value-COOG decreases
imporved extraction technology COOG decreases.
higher energy costs-COOG increases.
environmental imacts
land take
-habitat loss
-loss of amenisty
-dust
-noise
-turbid drainage water.
-spoil disposal
-leachate-rainwater mobilises dissolved metals . mine sites can be passed through filter beds to immobolise them.
what is cradle to cradle design
design of products so that materials are used and can be reused at the end of their useful lives.
what are methods of exploiting low grade ores
-bioleaching
-phytomining
-iron displacment
-leachate collection
