Mining Fact Sheet
Canada is third in the world for mineral
production, but about 80% of those minerals
are sold to other countries. In 2001 Canada’s
coal, metallic and non-metallic minerals were
worth over 24 billion. Canada’s vast amount of
resources plays a vital part in our economy and
war efforts.
Underground mining is used to mine
for minerals underground (obviously). Miners
must take a cage (elevator) down to the work
area. Holes are drilled then filled with
explosives. The blasted rock is sent down a
large hole to a crusher. The crushed rock is
placed into a skip up to the head frame (the
part of the mine that is at the top of the mine).
Open pit mining is used to mine near the surface, but can be dug deeper if needed . First
trees and rock are removed, and then explosives are placed about 10-15m deep blasting huge
holes the ground. Shovels then pack 90 to 250 tonnes of
ore into trucks. The ore is then shipped to a factor to be
manufactured.
Strip mining is used to mine oilsands, coal and
other materials located close to the surface. The overall
process of strip mining is very similar to open pit mining,
but the layout of the mine is different.
There are there types of minerals or fuels that
can be mined: metallic minerals, industrial minerals and
fossil fuels.
Metallic minerals become material known are
metals when they are refined. They can also be valued for
their rareness and beauty (example: gold and silver). Iron is used for its strength and it can be
combined with nickel to created stainless steel. Gold and silver is used to created jewelry because
they are very valuable.
Industrial minerals are minerals that can’t be
categorized as metallic minerals or fossil fuels. They are still
important but not acknowledged as much. A mineral like sand
is used to make glass and gravel is used to make concrete.
Potash makes fertilizers and diamonds make jewelry and
cutting tools.
Fossil fuels are valued for their ability to create
energy when burned. They can be used for transportation and
heating. Fossil fuels have provided energy to society for about
200 years. In the 1800s coal was the most important fuel, but
during the last century it was replaced with oil and gas.