Retreat mining is a coal mining technique that recovers more material and maximizes profits by removing support pillars. This can cause roof falls and coal explosions, making mining dangerous. The US Mine Safety and Health Administration regulates mining operations and ongoing research aims to improve safety. The Crandall Canyon Mine collapse in 2007 resulted in […]
Gold mining uses different techniques, from simple panning to hard rock mining with pickaxes. Panning is the best-known but produces the fewest results. Tourist attractions recreate the experience. Hard rock mining is serious and involves chipping away at rock. Other techniques involve cradles or crushing quartz with machinery or animal labor. Gold mining can use […]
Open pit mining involves digging a pit to access minerals and materials near the surface. It requires less capital and labor than underground mining, and profitability depends on the extraction ratio. The process is simple, but profitability decreases as surface materials are depleted. Just as the name suggests, open pit mining is a type of […]
Gold mining involves various methods to extract gold from its raw state in gold ore, including physical force, heat exposure, or chemical means. Gold is found in soil, alluvial deposits, and rocks, and is recovered through methods such as placer mining, dredging, and hard rock mining. New technologies have made it possible to recover gold […]
The type of heavy mining equipment used depends on the type and stage of mining. Surface mining uses earthmoving equipment, while underground mining uses roof bolters, shuttles, and longwall machines. Haul trucks and levellers are also used. The type of heavy mining equipment used for a specific task during any mining operation depends on a […]
Phosphate mining extracts ores containing the phosphate ion, which are used to make chemical fertilizers and other industrial products. The extraction process varies based on the composition of the mineral, and mining sites are rehabilitated to minimize environmental damage. Modern mines focus on reducing environmental impact and repairing damaged ecosystems. Phosphate mining involves the mining […]
Longwall mining is a mechanized underground coal mining technique that uses machines with coal clippers mounted on hydraulic ceiling mounts. It accounts for over half of US coal production and can extract up to 30,000 tons of coal per day. The technique replaces the room and column method and is feasible for deep mining. However, […]
Shaft mining is a process to access underground mining facilities. The central shaft, known as a service cage, transports personnel and has branches called levels or galleries. Skip buckets transport ore and caissons provide water, fuel, and ventilation. A butt frame raises and lowers winch elevators, while head frames store ores. Shaft mining, also known […]
Surface mining is a cheaper method of extracting minerals and metals found near the Earth’s surface, but can have a significant impact on the environment. There are three types: open pit, strip, and quarry mining. The US has established the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to oversee clearance of surface mines, while in […]
Strip mining involves removing overburden to access minerals close to the surface. Trees and structures are removed, explosives are used, and earthmoving equipment is used to remove overburden. Strip mining is used for coal and tar sand extraction and can be disruptive, causing waste and pollution. Mining is a type of surface mining that involves […]
Surface mining, also known as strip mining, is used to recover materials like coal and tar sand. It is controversial due to its impact on the environment, but proponents argue it is more efficient, cost-effective, and safer than traditional underground mining. Critics are concerned about the destruction of natural ecosystems and the potential for environmental […]
Underground mining involves digging into the ground to extract minerals and ores, often used when surface mining is not an option. It requires logistics to be safe and uses machinery to avoid health and safety hazards. Ventilation and proper support are important, with different types of mining including well and slope mining. Underground mining is […]
Hydraulic mining, developed by Edward Matteson in the mid-19th century, uses water to remove rock material and extract valuable minerals. It was used to locate gold ore, but caused environmental damage. Regulations were adopted in 1893, and today it is used for excavations and landscaping without harming the environment. Developed by Edward Matteson during the […]
Coal mining involves locating and removing underground coal deposits through surface or underground mining. It originated in the Industrial Revolution and is used to produce electricity and resources for other industries. The type of mining process used depends on factors such as depth, geology, and regulations. Coal mining is a major industrial activity in many […]
Asteroid mining involves extracting valuable materials from small, dense bodies orbiting the Sun. Technical, financial, and legal challenges must be overcome for it to become a reality. Asteroids are believed to contain valuable minerals, including iron, nickel, gold, and platinum. Space colonization is another motivation for asteroid mining. However, technical challenges such as reliable transportation […]
Sand mining is the process of collecting sand from coastal regions, which is used in various manufacturing activities. The most valuable sand is found in dunes and coastal sandstrips. However, sand mining raises environmental concerns, including erosion and disruption of habitats. Sand is a limited resource, and intense industrial mining practices could cause a global […]
Manganese mining involves locating deposits, using equipment to extract the ore, and transporting it to a processing plant. Open pit mining is preferred, but underground and deep-sea mining are also possible. Processing removes impurities and refines the manganese for use in various products. Locating a deposit is often the first step in manganese mining. After […]
Gem mining can be done for recreation or profit, with commercial operations being more complex and labor-intensive. River/stream mining involves manual sorting, while quarrying involves removing rocks. Underground mining requires planning and equipment. Some mines are open to the public for recreation and treasure hunting. Visitors are provided with equipment and can keep any gems […]
Mining is a dangerous job, but accidents can be limited with adequate safeguards, better equipment, and enforcement of regulations. Different types of mining require unique safety measures, including training, proper use of safety devices, and laws on explosives and tunnel shoring. By its very nature, mining is one of the most dangerous occupations that exposes […]
Mining conveyors are large machines used to move ore or waste materials generated by mining operations. They can carry hundreds of thousands of tons of material per day over long distances. They are efficient and adaptable to changing conditions at the mine site. Some specialized types of conveyors can raise or lower materials at steep […]
