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Minerals Downunder!
https://www.oresomeresources.com/oresome-interactives/oresome-resources-mineralsdownunder/
Under Pressure - Mineral Formation
1 - What geologic process from Unit 4 results in mineral formation?
2 - Soils and sediments can be weathered and transported into bodies of water. What type of
rock is eventually formed from this process?
3 - Classify the given rock samples: Alluvial Gold, Iron Rock, Marble, Granite, Coal
Igneous
Metamorphic
Sedimentary
Australia - Rich in Minerals and Energy Sources
1 - When are minerals found in Earth’s crust considered to be deposits? Ores?
2 - What products are made from mined coal?
3 - What other mined mineral can be used as an energy source?
4 - If we can’t grow it, we must mine it. How does this phrase relate to the impacts of urbanized
societies?
5 - Choose one of the mined resources from the list and explain its use and importance in
society.
The Search is On
1 - What steps need to be done prior to a mining company drilling a core sample?
2 - Is developing a mining site a quick and easy process? Why or why not?
Mining Australia’s Minerals
1 - Which mining technique involves the removal of overburden?
2 - Identify which mining technique is used for the following mined resources. If there is more
than one technique used for a resource, describe the differentiation.
Coal
Iron Ore
Uranium
Gold
Heavy Minerals
(e.g. Zircon)
Transformations - Processing Minerals
1 - What are the steps to processing copper?
1
6
2
7
3
8
4
9
5
Main uses: Electrical equipment!
Environmental Management
1 - How is biodiversity protected before, during, and after mining?
2 - How is water used in mining?
3 - What happens to tailings?
4 - How is dust and noise pollution mitigated?
5 - Why is it important to return mining sites back to their original state or better?
Going for Gold
1 - What are three qualities of Gold ?
2 - What mineral is often mistaken for Gold ?
3 - Describe the simple test to determine if the mineral is real gold or not.
Fascinating Mine Facts
1- How many minerals are contained on Earth ?
2 - What is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth ?
3 - What property of Gold protects spacecrafts and satellites from solar radiation ?
4 - What is the most useful metal ? What property does it have ?