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MiningMining
What we mine…What we mine…
OreOre:: any material that– is minedmined (not grown)
– is in demanddemand (there is a need)
– can be sold for a profitprofit
– Do Do NOTNOT need to be minerals need to be minerals
• EconomicallyEconomically dependent• Types of Ores
– Metallic
– Non-Metallic
– Fuel
Metallic OresMetallic Ores
• Possess metallic properties
• Often good conductors of electricity
• Examples:– Gold– Copper– Hematite/Magnitite– Silver
Non-metallic Ores
• Possess non-metallic properties
• Examples:– Aggregate
– Limestone
– Halite
– Sulfur
– Gypsum
Fuel OresFuel Ores
• Used to supply energy• Many considered
“Fossil fuels”• Examples:
– Crude Oil
– Natural Gas
– Coal
– Uranium
Michigan MiningMichigan Mining
Metallic Ores Copper Iron
Non-Metallic Ores Aggregate Rock Salt Brine
Michigan’s Ores: Copper & Iron
• Pre-Cambrian BILLIONS of years ago
• Volcanic environment
• Cooling magma/lava
Underground Mine: UP Michigan
World’s Largest Copper
Calumet, MI (UP)
Empire Mine (UP, Michigan)Empire Mine (UP, Michigan)
Taconite (Iron/Silica) PelletsTaconite (Iron/Silica) Pellets
Michigan’s Ores: Michigan’s Ores: Halite/GypsumHalite/Gypsum
• Paleozoic Era: millions years ago• Coastal, tropical, saltwater environment• Mineral deposits after evaporation• Buried by recent (10,000yrs) glacial activity
Salina Formation
Rock Salt Rock Salt MiningMining
Halite Layer
Michigan’s Ores: AggregateMichigan’s Ores: Aggregate
• Cenozoic Era: millions years ago
• Ice Ages: Repeated glaciers in MI
• Retreats leave layers of sand and gravel (1000’)