Finally - Mining in Clear and Understandable LanguageHow Mining Works explains complex mining concepts in a way simple enough for those who are not familiar with the industry, yet thorough enough to be useful to long-time professionals.
This colorful book presents a logical and sensible sequence for acquiring a strong working knowledge of the world of mining. Chapter 1 provides a quick geology review, explaining how the earth is structured ... how, why, and where mineral ores are created ... and how technological advances help us make educated guesses about where to locate new mines.
The next three chapters present mining and refining operations. Chapter 2 offers in-depth explanations about the different types of mining, the equipment and procedures needed for both surface and deep mining, and Chapter 3 follows with six methods for processing the ore into usable refined metal. And, since not all mines produce metals, Chapter 4 covers nonmetallic operations that produce coal, diamonds, and aggregates such as clays and feldspars.
The second half of the book puts mining in the context of the wider world. Chapter 5 examines four types of mining waste (including several subcategories) and how to deal with each. Chapter 6 looks at labor practices, environmental sustainability, and worker and community health and safety--all critical in today's highly regulated environment.
Chapter 7 highlights mining economics, with detailed information on how mine products are priced, monetary arrangements between mines and smelters, and even the impact of reserves on mining's future.
Chapter 8 takes a visionary yet practical look at the future of mining, covering not only advances in expected areas (like robotics) but also in biotechnology, with a fascinating look at how plants, insects, and various microbes could be used to extract metals. Appendix A provides a crash course in the chemistry sometimes needed to understand why rock goes in and metal comes out.
