In this lecture, the speaker discusses the process of locating and mining valuable minerals. Mining is described as a controversial and destructive human activity. The mining process starts with exploration through geoscience surveys, leading to the discovery of mining sites. Investments and planning follow, involving geoscience and engineering. Then, the mining facility is constructed, leading to the actual mining activity, including extraction, milling, refining, and processing of minerals. Transport and shipment of minerals occur, often for export. However, reclamation and rehabilitation of the damaged area are not always done, especially in illegal mining activities. The lecture also distinguishes between minerals and ores, with ores containing valuable minerals. Surface mining methods, such as strip mining and open pit mining, are discussed as destructive but easy to establish. Underground mining is presented as less destructive but more expensive and dangerous for workers. The lecture also mentions ore processing techniques, including heap leaching, flotation, and smelting, to extract pure minerals from ores.
1. Mining is a process of locating and extracting vulnerable minerals from the earth's crust.
2. Mining is a controversial human activity that affects the environment.
3. The process of mining starts with exploration through geoscience surveys.
4. After exploration, there is investment and planning for the establishment of the mining facility.
5. The development phase involves feasibility studies, engineering, and raising capital for the start of mining activity.
6. After development, the actual mining activity begins, which includes extraction, processing, and transportation of the minerals.
7. After the exploitation of the area, there should be a reclamation or rehabilitation of the damaged area of the mining activity.
8. The Philippines is rich in nickel deposits and exports nickel products and raw nickel ore to other countries.
9. Mining involves different methods such as surface mining and underground mining.
10. Surface mining is the most destructive type of mining, while underground mining is less destructive but more expensive and dangerous for workers.
11. Underground mining is more expensive than surface mining but extracts more valuable minerals.
12. The process of mining involves various stages including heat bleaching, flotation, and smelting.
13. Mining has significant environmental impacts, including air and water pollution, harm to wildlife, and permanent scarring of natural landscapes.
14. The environmental damage caused by mining is particularly severe in areas with abandoned mines.
15. To mitigate the environmental impacts of mining, advocates suggest practices such as advocating for green mining activities, strengthening the enforcement of laws related to environmental protection, community involvement in mining plans, and post-mining rehabilitation of the area.