Mining Fact Sheet
Canada is the third in the world for the
production of minerals and has the
largest exporter of minerals. Canada
exports 80% of what it produces. Mining
is the drawing out of minerals or other
geological materials from the Earth. The
industry has a harmful impact on the
environment. The government encourages
mining companies to find new ways to
mine because of how much mining supports
Canada’s economy. Also the Canadian
Government is trying to find new mining
sites.
There are three types of mining; strip,
open pit and underground mining.
strip mining is used to mine oil sands,
coal and other minerals that are located
in horizontal layers near the surface.
Open pit mining is used to mine minerals
that are found near the surface, but that
also may extend deep into the ground.
Underground mining is used to remove
mineral ores located deep in the Earth.
The selection of any of these methods
depends on the depth of the ore
deposit.
Canada is one of the world’s great mining countries.
Before diamonds were found Canada they were
discovered in the shield areas of southern Africa,
Russia and Australia. Gemstone diamonds are
popular for their rarity and beauty. Diamonds are
used to make jewelry and be the ultimate cutting tool.
Fossil fuels are used for transportation and heating.
Coal was replaced by oil and gas in the last century.
By: Emily, Jenai, Claudia and Trisha