Mining Chapter 16
Longwall mining
A more efficient method of removing coal from a subsurface seam
Quarry
Also called an open pit.
Surface mining
Can cause air and noise pollution
Gold
Dredging streambeds may be an effective technique for mining _______________.
Gangue minerals
Minerals with no commercial value
Subsurface mining
Mining method in which soil and rocks are removed to reach underlying coal or minerals
Clean Water Act & Safe Drinking Water Act
Mining operations must comply with ___________ & _____________
Open-pit mining
Not a method of subsurface mining.
Reclamation
Returning land to its original or better condition after mining.
Slag
The layer of impurities on top of molten metal that forms during smelting.
Smelting
The melting or fusing of ore in order to separate impurities from pure metal
Endangered Species Act
ensures that mining activities will not affect threatened or endangered species and their habitats
Placer deposits
surface mineral deposits that have been concentrated by movement of wind and water.