Mining, as one of the main economic resources, is used all over the world due to the presence of valuable minerals that can be exploited. In this article, the concept of mining and how it is formed, how to find and extract mines, different types of mines in the world and Iran and its impact on the global economy will be discussed.
The Concept of Mining
Mining refers to the process of extracting valuable minerals, metals, and other useful materials from the earth. These materials can be found both on the surface of the earth and underground, and are typically extracted through various mining methods, such as open-pit mining, underground mining, and solution mining.
Mining is an economically important activity that is carried out to produce a wide range of materials, including metals, fossil fuels, chemical products, and building materials. Some of the most common minerals and metals that are extracted through mining include coal, iron ore, gold, copper, and diamonds.
The mining process typically involves several stages, including exploration, extraction, processing, and waste disposal. During the exploration stage, geologists and engineers use various techniques to locate and assess the quality and quantity of the mineral resource. Once the resource has been identified and evaluated, mining operations commence, and the mineral is extracted from the ground.
The extracted mineral is then transported to a processing facility, where it is processed and refined into a usable form. The final product is then sold to manufacturers, who use it to produce various goods, such as automobiles, electronics, and building materials.
Mining can have significant impacts on the environment, and it is important that mining operations are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner. This includes minimizing the impact of mining activities on the surrounding ecosystem, managing waste and tailings, and rehabilitating the site after mining has been completed.
History
The history of the discovery and exploitation of mines goes back thousands of years. Since ancient times, humans have used mines to extract metals and precious stones. In the early times, mining was mostly done on the surface and using simple tools. With the development of technology and mining tools, the methods of exploitation of mines also evolved.
In ancient history, many cultures used mines to extract metals such as gold, bitumen, silver and copper. For example, Egyptians extracted precious stones using simple tools such as adzes and chisels. In India, mines were used to extract diamonds and jewels. Also, in ancient times, exploitation of mines for iron extraction was also common.
Structure of mines: concept and components
The concept of mine structure
Mine structure refers to all the components in a mine. These components include rock, sediments, volcanoes, soil, and other materials that exist below the surface of the earth and sometimes on the surface of the earth. These components are naturally obtained and can form ore.
Structure components of mines
The structure of mines consists of various components, which are explained below for each of these components.
Rock
Mine rock or mine soil refers to materials that contain valuable minerals such as gold, silver, copper, etc. According to their type and characteristics, these minerals can be used as raw materials in various industries.
Sediments
Sediments are substances that are obtained as sediment in water or sediment in soil. These materials include materials such as sand, gravel, silt and other materials that are used as raw materials in industries such as construction, chemical industries, etc.
Volcanoes
Volcanoes are different structures that are used due to the presence of minerals in them. These structures include materials such as lava, volcanic sediments, and volcanic rocks.
Soil
Soil is the material that exists on the surface of the earth. These materials include fine particles such as organic and mineral materials, water and air and other materials that are mixed in the soil. Soil is used as an important resource for agriculture and horticulture and also plays an important role as a place for plants to grow and maintain biodiversity in the environment.
The Formation of Mines
The formation of mines is categorized into two types: surface and underground.
Surface mines, also known as open-pit mines, are formed when minerals are located near the surface of the earth. Surface mines are created by removing the top layers of soil and rock, called overburden, to access the mineral deposit. These mines are typically used to extract minerals that are close to the surface and in large quantities.
Underground mines, on the other hand, are formed when minerals are located deep beneath the surface of the earth. These mines are created by digging tunnels and shafts to access the mineral deposit. Underground mines are typically used to extract minerals that are too deep to be extracted through surface mining.
The choice between surface and underground mining depends on several factors, including the depth and location of the mineral deposit, the type of mineral being extracted, and the environmental impact of the mining operation.
In surface mining, the topsoil and overburden are removed to expose the mineral deposit, which is then extracted using large earth-moving equipment. The topsoil is typically placed in piles to be used for rehabilitation of the site after mining is complete.
In underground mining, miners dig tunnels and shafts to access the mineral deposit. The minerals are then extracted using various methods, such as blasting or drilling. The waste rock and other materials are typically transported to the surface using conveyor belts or other equipment.
Both surface and underground mining have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of mining method depends on the specific characteristics of the mineral deposit and the mining operation.
Types of mines
The shape of the deposit refers to the shape and distribution of minerals inside the deposit. In this article, the types of deposits will be investigated.
Basic shape
In the form of a base deposit, the minerals are in the form of a large block. This form of deposit is mostly seen in underground mines, and to extract minerals from inside the block, the block must first be divided into smaller pieces.
The shape of the vessels
In the vein deposit form, the minerals are in the form of narrow and long veins that are cut from the rock. This form of deposit is mostly seen in underground mines, and in order to extract deposit materials from inside the veins, these veins must be opened using special devices that cut small pieces of rock.
Scattered shape
In the form of dispersed deposits, minerals are dispersed in the form of small particles on the surface of the earth or in groundwater. This form of deposit is mostly seen in open mines and methods such as crushing and screening are used to extract deposit materials from inside the particles.
Mass form
In the form of a mass deposit, the deposit materials are located in the form of large and uneven masses on the surface of the earth. This type of deposit is mostly seen in open pit mines, and to extract the deposit materials from the piles, the piles must first be divided into smaller pieces.
The shape of the minerals
In the mineral form of ores, minerals are in the form of small ores that are scattered inside the rock. This mineral form is mostly seen in underground mines, and to extract minerals from the ores, these ores must be opened using special devices and then the minerals are separated from the ores.
Paste form
In the mineral paste form, the minerals are in the form of a dilute paste in water or a solution. This form of mineral is mostly observed in the mineral that exists as a solution in water or another solution. In order to extract minerals from the pulp, it is necessary to first separate the pulp from non-mineral materials and then separate the minerals from the pulp using methods such as evaporation, distillation and electrolysis.
Mines are divided into two categories, metallic and non-metallic.
Metal mines
Metal mines include minerals such as gold, silver, copper, bauxite, iron, nickel, zinc and platinum. Due to having suitable physical and chemical properties, these mines are used in various industries such as metal industries, automobile manufacturing, electronic industries, etc.
Non-metallic mines
Non-metallic minerals include minerals such as gypsum, limestone, salt, marble, natural bitumen and gilsonite, sand, kaolin and barite. Due to having suitable physical and chemical properties, these materials are used in various industries such as construction industries, chemical industries, etc.
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