Mineral Resources

Earth Science - Middle School

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Mineral Resources mineral deposits ore deposits (veins) magma chamber © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 94-4656 Visit www.newpathlearning.com for Online Learning Resources. Photos courtesy of USGS, BLM and NPS. Ore Mining Rock that contains metals or important minerals is called ore. Large amounts of ore are called ore deposits. Several methods of mining are used to remove rocks and minerals from the ground. When ore is close to the Earth’s surface, strip mining and open pit mining methods are used. Nearly all mineral resources need to be processed after they are mined. A process called smelting mixes the ore with other substances and then melts the mixture to separate the useful minerals and metal. Iron Ore Smelting coke ore coke- limestone- ore mix slag molten iron blast furnace slag ladle hot metal car hot air (blast) stoves gas shaft mine ore bed strip mining open pit mining Shaft mines are dug when the ore deposits are deep below the surface.
Pause and Review Describe three ways that minerals can be extracted from the Earth. Give examples of each. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 94-4656 Visit www.newpathlearning.com for Online Learning Resources. Mineral Resources