Question

name
student #

1. name the type of mineral each item is. (metallic, fossil fuels, or industrial)

(12 marks)

1. although mining can be a great strength for canadas economy, we know

there are some risks involved as well. using the information in your textbook
(pg. 338 - 339), write down 3 challenges in the mining industry in your own
words. (5 marks)

Explanation:

• Zinc: Metallic minerals are those that contain metals in their raw form. Zinc is a metal, so it is a metallic mineral.
• Coal: Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals. Coal is a fossil fuel.
• Soapstone: Industrial minerals are used in a wide variety of industrial applications. Soapstone is used in things like countertops and as a lubricant in some industrial processes, so it is an industrial mineral.
• Natural gas: Natural gas is a fossil fuel, formed from the decomposition of organic matter over millions of years.
• Potash: Potash is an industrial mineral. It is mainly used as a fertilizer.
• Diamonds: Diamonds are industrial minerals. They are used in cutting tools (due to their hardness) and in jewelry.
• Uranium: Uranium is a metallic mineral. It is used in nuclear power plants.
• Copper: Copper is a metallic mineral. It is highly conductive and used in electrical wiring, among other things.
• Platinum: Platinum is a metallic mineral. It is used in catalytic converters (in cars) and in jewelry.
• Oil: Oil is a fossil fuel. It is refined into products like gasoline, diesel, etc.
• Salt: Salt (sodium chloride) is an industrial mineral. It is used in food (for flavor and preservation), in water treatment, and in many industrial processes.
• Nickel: Nickel is a metallic mineral. It is used in making stainless steel and in batteries.

For the challenges in the mining industry:

• Environmental impact: Mining can lead to habitat destruction (when forests are cleared for mine sites), water pollution (from chemicals used in mining processes seeping into water sources), and soil degradation. For example, acid mine drainage can make water bodies acidic and uninhabitable for aquatic life.
• Safety hazards: Miners face risks like cave - ins (especially in underground mining), exposure to harmful dusts (which can lead to respiratory diseases like silicosis), and the use of heavy machinery which can cause accidents.
• Depletion of non - renewable resources: Most minerals (metallic, fossil fuels, etc.) are non - renewable. Once mined, they are gone. This means that there is a need for sustainable mining practices and the development of alternative materials/sources of energy.

Answer:

7.

• Zinc: Metallic
• Coal: Fossil fuels
• Soapstone: Industrial
• Natural gas: Fossil fuels
• Potash: Industrial
• Diamonds: Industrial
• Uranium: Metallic
• Copper: Metallic
• Platinum: Metallic
• Oil: Fossil fuels
• Salt: Industrial
• Nickel: Metallic

8.

• Environmental impact (e.g., habitat destruction, water/soil pollution).
• Safety hazards (e.g., cave - ins, dust - related diseases, machinery accidents).
• Depletion of non - renewable resources.