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.