What is Mining and its Types?

The mining industry is a vital sector that contributes significantly to the world’s economy. It involves the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth, usually from an ore body, lode, vein, seam, reef or placer deposit. These deposits form a mineralised package that is economically viable to extract. But what exactly is mining and what are its types? Let’s delve deeper into this fascinating world.

Understanding Mining

Mining is an integral part of human civilisation. From ancient times to modern days, it has been a primary source of obtaining essential materials like metals, coal, and minerals. The process involves surveying, exploration, extraction, processing and marketing of these resources.

The mining industry plays a crucial role in almost every aspect of life – from building homes and providing energy to making jewellery and electronic devices. It also contributes significantly to job creation and economic growth in many countries.

Types of Mining

There are several methods used in the mining industry which are chosen based on the type of mineral resource, location and how it is deposited. Here are some common types:

1. Underground Mining

Underground mining is used when mineral deposits lie deep beneath the earth’s surface. This method involves digging tunnels or shafts into the earth to reach buried ore deposits. Examples include gold mining where miners dig deep vertical shafts in areas with promising ore deposits.

2. Open-Pit Mining

Open-pit mining (also known as open-cast or open-cut mining) is used when deposits of useful minerals or rocks are found near the surface where they can be easily accessed. After identifying potential mineral deposits location, layers of rock and dirt above it (overburden) are removed to expose the valuable deposit for extraction.

3. Placer Mining

Placer mining involves extracting minerals from alluvial deposits formed by weathering processes that separate valuable minerals from their original matrix in a stream bed. Gold panning is a type of placer mining.

4. Mountaintop Removal Mining

This method involves removing entire mountaintops to access coal seams running through them. It’s mostly used in Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States.

5. Highwall Mining

Highwall mining is another surface mining form that has evolved from auger mining. A continuous miner driven by hydraulic Push – beams into a coal seam extracts coal while it leaves behind an unsupported roof making this type dangerous due to high risk of collapse.

The Impact Of The Mining Industry

The global economy heavily relies on the mining industry for raw materials needed for construction, manufacturing and energy production among other sectors. It also provides employment opportunities for millions worldwide directly or indirectly linked with this sector.

However, while beneficial economically, it’s important to note that there can be significant environmental impacts associated with some types of mining such as habitat destruction, soil erosion and water contamination among others if not properly managed.