CK12 Earth Science

their cutting ability. Copper is used in electrical wiring and the ore bauxite is the source for
the aluminum in your soda can.

Lesson Summary

• Geologists use many methods to find mineral deposits that will be profitable to mine.


• Ores that are close to the surface are mined by surface mining methods. Ores that are
  deep in Earth are mined using underground methods.


• Metals ores must be melted to make metals.


• Many gems are cut and polished to increase their beauty.


• Minerals are used in a variety of ways.

Review Questions

1. What type of mining would be used to extract an ore that is close to the Earth’s
   surface?


2. Describe some methods used in surface mining.


3. What are some disadvantages of underground mining?


4. What are some ways an area can reclaimed, or returned to its natural state, after being
   mined?


5. What steps are taken to extract a pure metal from an ore?


6. What makes a gemstone valuable?

Further Reading / Supplemental Links

• Dave Frank, John Galloway, and Ken Assmus. U.S. Geological Survey. 2005. Available
  on the Web at:


• http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/2005/17/.


• ”Mining.” Encyclopædia Britannica. 2007. Encyclopædia Britannica Online Library
  Edition. Available on the Web at:


• http://library.eb.com/eb/article-81268.


• http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/parks/misc/glossaryo.html


• http://www.mii.org/Minerals/photoal.html


• http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/bauxite/


• http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/diamonds/mining.html


• http://www.aluminum.org/Content/NavigationMenu/News_andStats/CansForHabitat
  org/Aluminum_Recycling/Fun_with_Recycling/Top_10_Reasons_toRecycle/Top
  10_Reasons_to_Recycle.htm


• http://www.alcoa.com/australia/en/pdf/Community/Smelting%20student%20notes.
  pdf