Dunbar W.S. How mining works

Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME), 2016. — 223 p. — ISBN: 978-0-87335-411-0.Mining is interesting. It is a collection of processes that increase the very low concentrations of minerals and metals in the earth to levels that can be used in everyday life. In most cases, the increase in concentration is several orders of magnitude. The fact that it is physically, chemically, and economically feasible to do this is quite amazing. For some metals, the concentration process is like combing through a feld of haystacks to fnd one needle every day for 10 years or more.
What is also interesting about mining is the diferent kinds of professionals required to make it happen: geologists, almost every kind of engineer or scientist, investment bankers, accountants, economists, health and safety specialists, community relations experts, and others. Furthermore, mining has economic efects at both global and local scales.
The intent of this book is to provide an understanding of the collection of processes, but to do so in a manner that makes the reader want to know more. The only requirement is an interest in science and technology. Very large and very small numbers are used to describe concepts. Some high school chemistry is used to describe processes, but it is not essential for understanding. Appendix A describes all the chemical concepts used.The Where, What, and How
Mining Methods
Mineral Processing and Metal Refining
Nonmetallic Minerals
Mine Waste Management
Mining, People, and the Environment
Mining and Money
A Future of Mining
Appendix A: All the Chemistry You Need to Know