Tin Flashcards
tin definition
heavy metal found in igneous rock and in alluvial deposits. non-renewable but recyclable
why is tin a point resource?
cannot gain large deposits of recovery
what is tin used for?
tin plated food cans, as a coating with led or zinc and iron to prevent corrosion, for soldering in electronics or automotive parts in construction
global pattern of tin production
mainly produced in asia and latin america. China produces most (100,000 tonnes. very smlall amount produce in EU
South Crofty tin mine Cornwall
stretches back 3000 years. production peaked in 19th century
how does geology affect tin?
- veritcal veins in granite, low metal content (8%)=lots of waste
- deep under sea-need pumping
- hard/tough to mine
world price on tin
demand related to price. april 2004=$9000 t-1
capital investment
- creates jobs
- mining towns e.g. Camburne suffered unemployment and out migration
- cheap deposits are easily extracted
- some mines can be used as tourist attractions
technology
rapidly industrialising economies of China and Japan
no more handheld machinery
4m wide tunnels allow more to be exported
benefits of revival of South Crofty tin mine now owend by Western united mines
- created 250 jobs
- stimulated demand for new mining machinery provided by local businesses
