Senior High School

Earth Science

Quarter 1-Module 4
Importance of Minerals to the
Society and Mining Minerals Ores

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 Earth Science – Grade 11/12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 - Module 4: Importance of Minerals to the Society and
Mining Minerals Ores
Second Edition, 2021

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Published by the Department of Education – Division of Cebu City
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Development Team of the Module

Writer: Leonora I. Micame, MT 1, Pardo National High School

Content Editors:

Mrs. Jocelyn C. Butanas – Master Teacher I, Talamban National High School

Mrs. Celia C. Gepitulan, Principal I, Regino Mercado Night High School
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 Quarter 1-Module 4:
Importance of Minerals to the Society and Mining Minerals
Ores

Mineral resources are natural Earth materials which have a variety of uses.
They must be extracted from the ground to be processed into products that we
use every day. This module discusses the importance of minerals to the society
(Lesson 1) and the processes involved in mining minerals ores (Lesson 2).

What I Need to Know

Content Standard : The learners demonstrate understanding on the

origin and environment of formation of the
common minerals and rocks
Performance Standard : Make a plan that the community may use to
conserve and protect its resources for future
generations

MELCs/Codes : Identify the minerals important to society (S11ES-

Ic-7)
Describe how ore minerals are found, mined, and
processed for human (S11ES-Ic-d-8)
Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to:

1. identify the importance of minerals to the society

2. describe how ore minerals are formed
3. describe how ore minerals are found, mined, and processed for human use
4. identify ways to prevent or lessen the environmental impact that result from
the exploitation, extraction, and use of mineral resources

What I Know

Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following minerals is an important component in making

concrete and cement?
A. borax B. clay C. coal D. talc
2. What are the uses of gold? It is used for _______________________________.
I. jewelry III. steel manufacturing
II. electrical conductor IV. medical & dental equipment
A. I only B. I & II only C. I, II, & III only D. I, II, III & IV

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3. Which describe metamorphic processes of forming minerals?
I. alteration III. phase change
II. crystal settling IV. recrystallization
A. I, & II only B. I, & III only C. I, & IV only D. I, II, III, & IV
4. Where do evaporites form?
A. pond C. underground river
B. open sea or ocean D. closed marine environment
5. What important factor is needed for heavy minerals to accumulate and form
placer ore deposit?
A. moving water C. volcanic eruption
B. hardened magma D. weathering of rocks
6. Which type of mineral deposit is rich in manganese, cobalt, and nickel?
A. stratabound C. contact metamorphic
B. seafloor nodules D. volcanic massive sulfide
7. What process is done to extract mineral resources from the ground?
A. mining B. milling C. exploration D. rehabilitation
8. What precious minerals are abundant in the Philippines?
A. gold, copper, nickel C. gold, iron, and nickel
B. iron, copper and silver D. copper, nickel, and silver
9. What step in mining is done to determine the ore type, ore quality, and amount
of ore mineral?
A. drilling B. milling C. prospecting D. ore extraction
10. Which of the following method of mining does quarrying belong?
A. placer B. surface C. open pit D. underground
11. What is the best method of separating metallic minerals from non-metallic?
A. magnetic C. flotation
B. cyanide heap leaching D. heavy media separation
12. What possible environmental destructions may result from mismanagement
of mining operation?
A. erosion C. loss of flora and fauna
B. pollution D. all of the above
13. Why is it important to rehabilitate a mine site? It is important to____________.
A. reduce erosion C. restore the pre-mining condition
B. make the area clean D. all of the above
14. What bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) takes charge in formulating plans, programs, and appropriate
environmental quality standards for the prevention and control of pollution,
the protection of the environment, and ensures implementation of policies?
A. Forestry Management C. Biodiversity Management
B. Mines and Geo-Sciences D. Environmental Management
15. What is the importance of applying the 3Rs in the way we consume mineral-
derived resources? It is important to use the 3Rs in the way we consume
mineral-derived products to be able to ___________.
A. conserve C. respect the environment
B. preserve D. all of the above

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 Lesson 1 – Importance of Minerals to
Society
Mineral is used with a different meaning in physical sciences and in health
sciences where it refers to chemical elements known to be essential to growing
and maintaining a healthy body. In materials sciences, geology and related
engineering fields, minerals are the naturally occurring crystalline solids that
make up the rocky part of our planet and the non-organic particles of soils. We
need these minerals to manufacture anything we cannot obtain from living
organisms (plant or animal products), to provide us with shelter and other basic
needs. We also need minerals as raw materials from which we manufacture
almost every tool and equipment.

What’s In

Activity 1
Similarities & Differences between Rocks & Minerals

Instructions:
1. Fill in the blanks with words/phrases to complete the diagram.
2. Write your answers on a piece of paper.

Similarities and Differences Between Rocks and Minerals

Source: https://tinyurl.com/sy2k2hkn

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 What’s New

Instruction: Study the infographics below and write the answer to the question
on a separate sheet of paper.

Figure 1. Amount of minerals that every child born needs in a lifetime

Adapted from: The Life Cycle of a Mineral Deposit—A Teacher’s Guide for
Hands-On Mineral Education Activities (https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/2005/17/)

Question: What is being depicted in this infographic? ______________________

What Is It

Mineral resources are essential to our modern industrial society, and they
are used everywhere. For example, at breakfast you drink water in a glass. The
glass is made from melted quartz in sand. The food that you eat is placed on a
ceramic plate. The plate is created from clay minerals heated at high
temperatures. You sprinkle salt or halite on your eggs. You use steel utensils
like spoon and fork in eating your food. Steel utensils are from iron ore and other
minerals. After taking breakfast you take a few minutes to relax and browse your
cellphone. Suddenly your phone rings, so you answer it. Do you know that your
cellphone contains over 40 different minerals including copper, silver, gold, and
platinum? We also need minerals to make cars, computers, appliances, concrete
roads, houses, tractors, fertilizer, electrical transmission lines, and jewelry.
According to the study of Mineral Information Institute of Golden, Colorado, USA,
every American born will need an average of 3.5 million pounds (1,587,600
kilograms) minerals, metals, and fuels in a lifetime (Figure 1).

You may think of minerals as substances that comprise the rocks or those
that dissolve in water or that can be found in the food items that we eat. But it is
easy to tell which items are made from mineral resources. Everything that is not

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made of wood or other plant materials comes from mineral resources. If it cannot
be grown, it must be mined. Most of the things that are man-made are
manufactured from minerals. Table 1 presents some of the metals and minerals
that the modern society uses.

Table 1. Some Metals and Minerals used in the Modern Society

MINERALS USES
copper For electrical conductor, motors, appliances, piping, and in metal
alloys
gold For computers and many scientific instruments; electrical
conductors; face shields of fire fighters to reflect the heat of the
fire; in building windows to reflect the heat from the sun; medical
and dental equipment, and jewelry
zinc Zinc oxide – to prevent sunburn; zinc – for protective coatings for
steel, casting alloys and extensively in medicines
nickel For the of manufacture stainless steel
silver For electrical conductors, photography, chemical manufacturing,
dental and medical uses
aluminum For electrical conductors, ships, airplanes, doors, windows,
roofing, insulations, packaging, food processing, domestic
utensils
iron For steel manufacturing, magnets, medicines, biomedical
research, paints, printing inks, plastics, cosmetics, dyes
borax For fiberglass, high temperature glass, cleaning agents, ceramics,
wood preservatives, corrosion inhibitors and fertilizers
titanium For pigments in paint manufacture; making plastic; many high
strength and low weight metal alloys
talc For the manufacture of paper, paint, plastic, and cosmetics
clay For making cement and concrete used to build roads, buildings,
housing foundations and driveways
coal For steel making; as fuel to generate electricity; its slag (residue
after coal is burned) – for additives, abrasives in sanding and for
roofing materials manufacture
phosphate For making phosphoric acid for fertilizers, feed additives for
livestock, chemicals, and consumer home products
potash Carbonate of potassium, is used in fertilizers, medicines, and the
chemical industry
lithium Used to produce lithium carbonate for auto batteries
rare Earth lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, europium, etc.
elements – for petroleum refining, computers, television, magnetic industry,
metallurgical applications, ceramics, and lighting

Most common household materials, gadgets, tools, and equipment are

made from these minerals which can be metallic or nonmetallic. Parts of many
household items are made of metal, like, the hinge on the front door, the plug for
appliances, the burner of the gas stove, the door of refrigerator, and the cutlery
in kitchen. Most of the common household metals are copper and aluminum.

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Some are metal alloys which are made of two or more metals. Examples are brass
(copper and zinc) and steel (iron and carbon and other elements). A small amount
of the metal chromium is the special ingredient in stainless steel which prevents
it from rusting. Some products found at home are made of non-metallic mineral
resources. Concrete foundation of the house is made with sand, gravel, and lime
from limestone. Window glass is made of quartz sand. Gypsum is ground up and
used as a filler in paint on the walls, and other minerals are ground up to provide
pigments that color the paint.

Minerals possess unique properties which make them very useful in

making tools, equipment, and industrial products. For example, talc is used in
cosmetics because it is soft and slippery when ground into powder form. It is
suited for use as face powder or foot powder because it can absorb moisture, oils,
and odor. It adheres to the skin and produces an astringent effect - yet it washes
off easily. The mineral halite or table salt, when crushed into small grains, is good
for flavoring food due to its salty taste. It dissolves quickly and easily, allowing its
flavor to spread through the food. Another mineral, gold with its pleasing yellow
color and bright luster and malleability, makes perfect for jewelry.

As discussed previously, minerals have several uses as raw materials in

the manufacture of products we use in our daily lives. So, we need to get these
by extracting from the ground through mining activities. Important terms are
defined below to gain a better understanding of the importance of minerals to our
economy and environment.

Mineral Occurrence – concentration of a mineral that is of scientific or

technical interest
Mineral Deposit – mineral occurrence of sufficient size and grade or
concentration to enable extraction under the most favorable conditions
Ore Deposit – mineral deposit that has been tested and known to be
economically profitable to mine.
Aggregate – rock or mineral material used as filler in cement, asphalt,
plaster, etc., generally used to describe nonmetallic deposits
Ore – naturally-occurring material from which a mineral or minerals of
economic value can be extracted.

Most rocks of the Earth's crust contain metals and other elements but at
very low concentrations. For example, the average concentration of gold in rocks
of the Earth's crust is about 0.005 ppm (parts per million) which is roughly 5
grams of gold for every 1000 tons of rock. Although valuable, extracting gold at
this concentration is not highly profitable.

The geologic processes involved in the rock cycle play major role in the
accumulation and concentration of valuable elements or minerals. According to
the Plate tectonics theory, the Earth’s crust is broken into a dozen or more plates
of different sizes that move relative to one another (lithosphere). These plates are
moving slowly on top of a hot and more mobile material called the asthenosphere.
Table 2 shows the different mineral deposits that usually occur in different
tectonic environments.

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 Table 2. Mineral deposits found in different tectonic environments

Source: https://tinyurl.com/k6yn5new

The minerals found in different tectonic environments are generally

classified into two types of mineral resources namely: metallic and nonmetallic.
These can only be available for use in industries after being extracted from the
ground as ores. Ores are naturally occurring materials that can be profitably
mined. It can be mineral, rock, metallic or nonmetallic, depending on the
economic requirement. A deposit is considered a potential ore body if its localized
abundance is greater than its average abundance or distribution on Earth’s crust.
A rock or mineral is considered an ore based on the overall chemical composition,
percentage of extractable resource with respect to its total volume and market
value of the resource.

Profitability determines an ore value. The total cost of extraction depends

on the location of the deposit, its concentration, its depth from the resource, its
scope and the technologies that must be used to extract and process the material.

A mineral or rock body containing high concentration of the required

resource may not be considered a good ore it is too expensive to mine, too far to
transport to a market, or if the additional costs (labor, mine management, and
environmental protection) outweigh the potential profit to be made.

Locating Ores

Ore bodies are unevenly distributed throughout Earth’s crust. This is the
main reason why a country will never be self-sufficient in terms of natural
resources and supplies. Even if a country can meet its own needs and for a given

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natural material today, its local resources will run out, and that country may
eventually require import.

Potential ore bodies are located by recognizing that a geologic process or

combination of processes can produce a localized enrichment of one or more
minerals, and that these processes only happen in specific types of environments.

1. Hydrothermal Ore Deposits are concentrations of valuable substances by

hot aqueous (water-rich) fluids flowing through fractures and pore spaces
in rocks. Hydrothermal fluids form when groundwater or seawater is
heated by magma or when hot, aqueous solutions are expelled from a
cooling plutonic body.
These fluids may contain
large amount of dissolved
metals. As the metal
enriched hot waters move
into cooler areas in the
crust, the dissolved
substances may start to
precipitate. Hydrothermal
fluid circulation produces
veins that host metals like
gold, silver, and copper
(Figure 1).

There are numerous hydrothermal mineral deposits as compared to the

different types of deposits. Examples:

• Vein type deposits - a well-defined zone of mineralization, usually inclined,

discordant, and typically narrow. Discordant vein cuts across existing
structures. Most vein deposits occur in fault or fissure openings or in shear
zones. These may contain gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and mercury
(Figure 1).

• Disseminated deposits -
deposits in which the ore
minerals are distributed
as minute masses or very
low in concentration
through large volumes of
rocks (Figure 2). This
occurrence is common
for porphyry copper
deposits.

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• Massive sulfide deposit (at
oceanic spreading centers) -
Precipitation of metals as
sulfide minerals such as
sphalerite (ZnS) and
chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) occur
when hot fluids that circulated
above magma chambers at
oceanic ridges that may
contain sulfur, copper and
zinc come in contact with cold
groundwater or seawater as it
migrates towards the seafloor
(Figure 3).

• Stratabound ore deposits (in lake or oceanic sediment) – This deposit is

formed when the dissolved minerals in a hydrothermal fluid precipitate in
the pore spaces of unconsolidated sediments on the bottom of a lake or
ocean (Figure 3). Such minerals may contain economic concentrations of
lead, zinc, and copper, usually in sulfide form like galena (PbS), sphalerite
(ZnS) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2).

2. Magmatic Ore Deposits -

valuable substances
concentrated within an igneous
body through magmatic
processes such as crystal
fractionation, partial melting
and crystal settling. For
example, in crystal settling,
magma cools down, heavier
minerals tend to crystallize early
and settle at the lower portion of
the magma chamber. Now from a
basaltic magma, chromite
(FeCr2O4), magnetite (Fe3O4) and
platinum (Pt) can be
concentrated through crystal
settling (Figure 5). Since the
chromite crystals are solid and
denser than the surrounding
molten magma, chromite tends
to accumulate at the bottom of
the magma chamber.

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3. Metamorphic process leads to the alteration and recrystallization of minerals
and aids the formation and localization of economically important materials
like graphite, marble, and asbestos (Figure 6).

During fractional crystallization, the residual melt contains high

percentage of water and volatile substances that are favorable for the formation
of pegmatites. Pegmatites are igneous rocks which have exceptionally large
crystals (Figure 7). These rocks are
enriched in lithium, gold, boron, rare
elements, and some other heavy metals
that may contain semi-precious gems
such as beryl, topaz, and tourmaline.
Components of pegmatites have
economic value. For example, feldspar
is used in production of ceramics.
Another is muscovite which is used for
electrical insulation and glitter.

4. A special type of magma, called

kimberlite magma, originates deep within
the mantle and is the source of diamonds,
which only crystallizes at depths greater
than 150 km. Kimberlite magmas are
expelled very rapidly from the depth onto
the Earth’s surface. Their passage
through the crust and eventual
solidification leaves behind kimberlite
pipes, which are highly prized as
diamond ores (Figure 8).

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5. Sedimentary Ore Deposits - some valuable substances concentrated by
chemical precipitation coming from lakes or seawater. Although clastic
sedimentary processes can form mineral deposits, the term sedimentary
mineral deposit is restricted to chemical sedimentation, where minerals
containing valuable substances are precipitated directly out of water.

Examples:
• Evaporite Deposits: This type of deposit typically occurs in a closed marine
environment where evaporation is greater than water inflow (Figure 9). As
most of the water evaporates, the
dissolved substances become
more concentrated in the residual
water and would eventually
precipitate. Halite (NaCl), gypsum
(CaSO4∙2H20), borax (used in
soap) and sylvite (KCl), from
which K is extracted for fertilizers
are examples of minerals
deposited through this process.

• Iron Formation: These deposits

are made up of repetitive thin
layers of iron-rich chert and
several other iron bearing
minerals such as hematite and
magnetite (Figure 10). Iron
formations appear to be of
evaporite type deposits and are
mostly formed in basins within
continental crust during the
Proterozoic (2 billion years or
older).

6. Placer Ore Deposits - These mineral ores result from the action of ocean waves
or currents in flowing surface water that tends to take sediments along. If the
wave action and strength is constant, it causes a selective sifting effect that
removes sediments and leaves behind
those that are heavier. Heavy minerals
are mechanically concentrated by water
currents and the less-dense particles
remain suspended and are carried
further downstream (Figure 11). Since
these minerals are heavy, they are
resistant to transportation and
weathering. Common deposits are gold
and other heavy minerals such as
platinum, diamond, and tin.

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 7. Residual Ore Deposits - a type of deposit that results from the accumulation of
valuable materials through chemical weathering processes. Rocks undergo
chemical changes. During the process, the volume of the original rock is greatly
reduced by leaching as the water removes the soluble minerals. These minerals
dissolved in water accumulate as they deposit, leaving the insoluble material as
residue (Figure 12). Common deposits are bauxites and nickeliferous laterites.
Bauxite, the principal ore of aluminum, is derived when aluminum-rich rocks
undergo intense chemical weathering brought by prolonged rains in the tropics,
leaching the common elements that include silicon, sodium, and calcium.
Nickeliferous laterites on the other hand are residual ore deposits derived from the
laterization of olivine-rich ultramafic
rocks such as dunite and peridotite.
Laterization is a condition of
weathering which leads to the removal
of alkalis and silica, resulting in a soil
or rock with high concentrations of iron
and aluminum oxides. Like in the
formation of bauxite, the leaching of
nickel-rich ultramafic rocks dissolves
common elements, leaving the
insoluble nickel, magnesium and iron
oxide mixed in the soil. Secondary
Enrichment Deposits are derived when a
certain mineral deposit becomes
enriched due to weathering.

What’s More
Activity 2
What Parts of a Computer are Mined?
adapted from of Ground Rules
(https://mining.cat.com/cda/files/2786351/7/GroundRulesMineralsEverydayLife-15-18.pdf)
Instructions:
1. Unscramble the letters to form the names of the mineral as parts of a computer.
2. Answer the questions that follow on a piece of paper.

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 Questions:
1. What important property/ties of the component mineral or metal of
electrical cord makes it useful to the function of that computer part?
________________________
2. What other gadgets do you may be composed of similar
metals or minerals to the computer parts? _________________________
3. What environmental effect may result if an outdated computer
equipment is disposed in a dumpsite? _____________________________

What I Can Do

Activity 3
Minerals in My House
adapted from the activity
https://mining.cat.com/cda/files/2786351/7/GroundRulesMineralsEverydayLife-15-18.pdf pp 12-14

Instructions:
1. Study the mineral content of common household items.
2. Answer the questions that follow on a separate sheet of paper.

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Questions:
1. Why are minerals important in our daily lives? ______________________________
2. Most of the mineral components in common household items are metallic. Are
these minerals renewable or non-renewable? ________________________________
3. Can these minerals from the household items be recycled? ___________
4. Name at least 3 household items that can be recycled. ________ ______ _______
5. Why is there a need for us to recycle household materials? __________________

Lesson 2 – Mining Mineral Resources

The world’s demand for minerals is answered through mining. Mining is
conducted to extract ores that contain one or more valuable minerals especially
metals which are crucial to industry and trade. A concentration of minerals is only
called an ore deposit if it is profitable to mine. There are many ways to mine ores
which will be taken up in this lesson.

What’s In

Instruction:
Study the picture on the right and answer the
question on a separate sheet of paper.

Question: What type of sedimentary ore

deposit is this amazing salt flats?
Clue: (EPOVAETIR) ________________________

What’s New

We already know how mineral

resources are naturally formed beneath the
ground. How do we get the minerals that we
use in making the different things as shown
below?

Answers: ______________________________

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 What is It

Mining consists of processes through which useful resources are withdrawn

from a stock of any nonrenewable resource. Within the context of Earth resources,
the term usually refers to the extraction of mineral resources. Mining is an intensive
and sophisticated process that varies based on the mineral depending on whether
they are extracted, stripped, or brought via tunnels and shafts.
The texture of a mineral or metal determines the type of mining operation
needed and the amount of waste produced in the extraction, separation, and
concentration of the ore. Upon careful planning and inspection, one of three possible
extraction methods may be used.

1. Sand and gravel extraction – very little waste rock is left behind the milling
process, as these types of deposits are not economically viable unless the ore
is of high grade.

2. Extraction from buried ore bodies – huge quantities of rock often needs to
be removed and discarded so that a relatively small amount of ore can be
recovered (e.g., a typical copper grade of 2% produces 20kg of pure copper
metal from an ore, leaving 980kg of waste rock).

3. Ore processing – producing ore minerals from ores through crushing,

separating, and purifying.

In general, the following phases and steps are done during mining:

A. Mineral Exploration

Prospecting or exploration can be simply described as looking for the ore body
which is a deposit that can yield a large amount of a specific mineral.

Steps needed during mineral exploration:

1. Project Design: This is the initial stage in formulating a project. This

involves review of all available data (geologic reports, mining history, maps,
etc.), government requirements in acquiring the project, review of social,
environmental, political, and economic acceptability of the project, and budget
and organization proposals. This is a Stop-Go process that controls risk for the
investor and of which is done by providing geological and economic
considerations in producing a mine.

2. Field Exploration: This stage involves physical activities in the selected

project area. This can be subdivided into three phases:

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 A. Regional Reconnaissance: This is a regional surface investigation and
interpretation to identify targets or interesting mineralized zones
covering a relatively large area.

B. Detailed Exploration: This involves more detailed surface and

subsurface activities with the objective of finding and delineating
targets or mineralized zones (Figure 1).

C. Prospect Evaluation: The main objective is to assess market

profitability by (1) extensive resource, geotechnical and engineering
drilling (2) metallurgical testing and (3) environmental and societal cost
assessment.

Figure 1. Detailed exploration of minerals

Source: https://tinyurl.com/ntxy3f5c

2. Pre-production Feasibility Study: The feasibility study determines and

validates the accuracy of all data and information collected from the different
stages. The purpose is for independent assessors to satisfy interested
investors to raise funds and bring the project into production.

After the prospecting and exploration activities are conducted, modeling is

next. This is a procedure of determining the ore’s size, shape, and grade distribution
throughout the deposit to apply appropriate mining methods, blast and dig pattern
designs, safety precautions, and efficiency and processing methods. Another feature
that is given importance is identifying and assessing the potential impacts of the
mining activities. There should be consideration on the social and environmental
aspects and finding ways of mitigating any consequence of the mining operation with
the purpose of bringing the area back as close to its original state as possible. Once
all the above-mentioned activities are met, the next phase would be designing and
constructing the mine. Engineers and scientists work hand in hand to create the
appropriate mine and operational design, and proceeds with the construction once
all the necessary permits are acquired from the government and local communities.

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B. Mining Methods
The location and shape of the deposit, strength of the rock, ore grade,
mining costs, and current market price of the commodity are some of
the determining factors for selecting which mining method to use. The primary
methods used to extract minerals from the ground are underground mining, surface
(open pit) mining and placer mining.

1. Underground Mining
This method of mining is utilized to extract higher-grade metallic ores
found in deep veins under the Earth’s surface (Figure 2A). Large tabular-
shaped ore bodies or ore bodies lying more than 1,000 feet (300 m) below the
surface are generally mined underground as well. This type of mining is quite
more expensive than surface mining as the rock is drilled and blasted, then
moved to the surface by truck, belt conveyor, or elevator. Once at the surface,
the material is sent to a mill to separate the ore from the waste rock.

Figure 2. Underground mining and surface mining

Source: https://tinyurl.com/dbzh2fj9
3. Surface Mining

Surface mining is utilized to

extract lower grade metal ores which
are found closer to the Earth’s
surface. This method generally costs
less than underground method. In a
surface mine, hard rock must
be drilled and blasted, although some
minerals are soft enough to mine
without blasting. Different types
include open pit mining, quarrying,
placer mining and strip mining
(Figure 3).

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 3. Placer Mining
Placer mining is used to
recover valuable minerals
from sediments in present-day river
channels, beach sands, or
ancient stream deposits (Figure 4).
More than half of the world’s titanium
comes from placer mining of beach
dunes and sands. In placer
operations, the mined material is
washed and sluiced to concentrate
the heavier minerals.

C. The Milling Process

The materials mined are rocks composed of both ore and waste material. High
grade ores are extracted or separated from the rest of the deposit. While the part of
the rock which contain very little, or no element or mineral of economic value is
considered as waste material. The extracted rocks will undergo processes of mineral
(e.g., metal) separation and recovery which is usually done in a mill. In milling, the
ore is crushed and concentrated. Crushing and screening are the first stages of
controlled size reduction followed by grinding where the rocks are pulverized. The
waste materials or mine tailings are released.

Milling or Recovery Processes include the following:

1. Heavy media separation: The

crushed rocks are submerged in
liquid where the heavier or denser
minerals sink (Figure 5). Thus,
heavier minerals are separated from
the lighter ones. This is commonly
used to separate chalcopyrite from
quartz before the refining processes
of extracting copper.

2. Magnetic separation: If the metal

or mineral is magnetic, the crushed
ore is separated from the waste
materials using a powerful magnet
(Figure 6).

22
 3. Flotation: The powdered ore is
placed into an agitated and frothy
slurry where some minerals and
metals based on physical and
chemical properties may either
sink to the bottom or may stick to
the bubbles and rise to the top thus
separating the minerals and metals
from the waste (Figure 7).

4. Cyanide heap leaching: This method is used for low-grade gold ore where
the crushed rock is placed on a
“leach pile” where cyanide solution
is sprayed or dripped on top of the
pile (Figure 8). As the leach solution
percolates down through the rocks,
the gold is dissolved into the
solution. The solution is processed
further to extract the gold. The
waste material is either used as a
backfill in the mine or sent to a
tailings pond, while the metals are
sent for further processing.

D. Environmental Impacts
Mining is a controversial industry because it is usually associated with the
neglectful and irresponsible practices that bring about environmental problems and
hazards. Improper mining can cause flooding; erosion; formation of sinkholes; loss
of biodiversity; air pollution; and contamination of soil, ground water and surface
water by chemicals from mining activities. Contamination resulting from leakage of
chemicals affects the health of the local population if not properly controlled.
The impacts of mining activities can persist for decades and even centuries.
So, mining companies in most countries are required to follow stringent
environmental and rehabilitation codes to minimize environmental damage and ill-
effects to human health. These codes and regulations all require the common steps
of environmental impact assessment, development of environmental management
plans, mine closure planning which must be done before the start of mining
operations, and environmental monitoring during operation and after closure. Mine
site decommissioning or rehabilitation is done when active mining ends. There
should be topsoil replacement using uncontaminated soil; reintroduction of flora and
fauna; neutralizing acidic waters; backfilling and sealing of abandoned underground
mines; stabilizing the slope of impacted area to reduce erosion, etc. In other words,

23
the site is cleaned and reclaimed to bring back its pre-mining condition or
rehabilitated for other purposes as shown in figure 9.

Figure 9. Rehabilitation of previously mined areas

Source: https://tinyurl.com/tsbuht5c

In our country, Republic Act 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine

Mining Act of 1995 was mainly instituted to “govern the exploration, development,
utilization and processing of all mineral resources within the territory and exclusive
economic zone of the Philippines.” This act also safeguards and protects the
environment. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
ensures the implementation this law with its Mines and Geosciences Bureau that is
responsible tasked for the conservation, management, development, and proper use
of the country’s mineral resources including those in reservations and lands of public
domain. While the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) takes charge in
formulating plans, programs, and appropriate environmental quality standards for
the prevention and control of pollution, the protection of the environment, and
ensures their implementation.

Local Ore Minerals and Their Uses

The Philippines is located within a dynamic tectonic setting, where the

processes of volcanism and plate convergence have resulted in the deposition of both
metallic and nonmetallic minerals. In fact, the Philippines has various kinds of
mineral reserves which has put the country in the world mineral map as the fifth
most mineralized country in the world, third in gold reserves, fourth in copper, and
fifth in nickel. Important metallic minerals that are found in abundance include gold,
copper, iron, chromite, nickel, cobalt, and platinum, and nonmetallic minerals
include sand and gravel, limestone, marble, clay, and other quarry materials.

24
 The most prolific copper and gold producers in the Philippines are found in
Baguio and Mankayan districts of Benguet Province, although the Surigao-Davao
districts also contribute to the production of gold in the country. Major producers of
nickel are Palawan and Surigao.

Natural Resources Management

Personal ways of which we can prevent or lessen the environmental impact

that results from the use, extraction, and exploitation of mineral resources is by
finding environment-friendly alternatives for the mineral resources needed. Since all
mineral resources are non-renewable, it is very important that they are conserved.
We can conserve our minerals resources by using the products we buy for a very long
time, by passing on the things we no longer need to others, or by using them for
another purpose. It means
we need to employ the 3 Rs
(Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in
natural resource
management. In this way,
unwanted materials are
collected and processed into
useful products to conserve
and make natural resources
sustainable. As shown in
Figure 10 below, broken
tiles (made of clay minerals)
are recycled to cover a
beautiful pathway and a
mosaic garden steps. In this
way nothing is wasted and
the use of clay as minerals
is minimized.

Conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of ecosystems are also important

in mitigating harmful effects of mineral resource extraction so that affected
ecosystems may recover and eventually restore itself back to its natural state.

• What’s More
Activity 1 - Core Sampling

This activity demonstrates how geologists sketch in outline mineral deposits

beneath the Earth’s surface (modified from the activity “Cupcake Core Sampling”;
source: The Life Cycle of a Mineral Deposit – A Teacher’s Guide for Hands-On Mineral
Education Activities) NOTE: The activity can be done if all materials are available.
If no materials, just do the picture analysis instead.

25
Instructions: Use a piece of paper in writing your ideas regarding this activity.

Procedure:
1. Given a cupcake and a wooden straw as shown below, how will you determine
what is the filling inside it and how wide and thick the filling is? ______________

2. List down the steps that you have done in finding out the filling inside the cupcake.
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
3. Draw the representation of your possible findings. (The thickness and the width
of the filling inside the cupcake and the kind of filling that it is.)
______________________________________________________________________________

Questions: (As based on your simulation of the core sampling activity)

1. Are the mineral deposits (represented by filling) evenly distributed in the

cake? Explain its relevance. ____________________________________________
2. Can the drill cores indicate how deep the mineral deposits are? __________
3. What other information can additional drillholes provide? ________________

Activity 2 - Flotation
The concept of flotation process is copied from https://
www.mineralseducationcoalition.org/sites/default/files/uploads/molybdenum.pdf, page 7).

Instructions:

1. Prepare 2 plastic cups and label each cup with number (cup1#1 & cup #2)
2. Get a sachet of roasted peanuts and a small pack of raisins.
3. Mix the roasted peanuts and raisins.
4. Divide the mixture into 2 equal parts. Put equal amount of mixture (peanut and
raisins) to each of the 2 plastic cups.
5. Fill the first cup to 2/3 full of plain water. Observe what happens.
6. Fill the second cup to 2/3 full of soda water or sprite. Observe and compare results
to the first cup.

Questions:
1. Explain what happens to cup #1. _______________________________________
2. Explain what happens to cup #2. _______________________________________
3. What is flotation method based in this activity? _________________________

26
 What I Have Learned

Instruction: Fill up the blank spaces with the concepts asked and white these on a separate
sheet of paper

•building and •6_______ ore

Locating ores (from)
• 9___________

Mining Mineral Ores (by following the steps)

Importance of Minerals (Used in)

construction depositis the minerals

(e.g. •metamorphic •Utilizing
nickel,iron) processes different
•health and •magmatic ore methods of
medicine (e.g. deposits mining
1____, iron) •7_______ •10________ the
•agriculture magma minerals
(e.g. potash, •sedimentary •Following
2__________) ore deposits environmental
•plastic •8_______ ore laws ang
industry (e.g. deposits regulations to
3____, lessen
•residual ore
titanium) environmental
deposits
•elctricity (e.g. impacts of
4_______, mining
silver)
•gadgets/
appliances/eq
uipment (e.g.
nickel,chromium)
•glass and
ceramics (e.g.
5______)

What I Can Do
Activity 3 - Operating a Mine
Modified combination of two activities, namely, Operating a Mine and
Physical Separation of Minerals) Source: Bringing Earth Science to Life –
Using Natural Resources pp15-19 and 31-33
http://www.edgeo.org/images/pdf/bringing-earth-science-to-life/natural-resources.pdf

Instruction:
1. Prepare your own surface mine model following the procedure below:
a. In a bowl or container, thoroughly mix 1 cup of sand, ¼ cup salt, few
pieces of very small iron nails, a handful of pebbles.
b. Look for an empty sachet of coffee or milk powder and cut into fine
pieces.

27
 c. Put a thin layer of the fine sachet all over the top of the container.
2. Draw a picture of your model to have a record of how it looks like before
mining.
3. Mine the model by using a spoon as the mining equipment. In the
newspaper, make 5 mounds of mined materials, placed side by side. Each
mound must contain four scoops of mined material. (These mounds are
called stockpiles.)
4. Draw your model showing after the mining process.
5. Get one stockpile and extract the minerals in it.
6. Bring out the things to be used in separating the different materials from
each other [e.g., magnet (any object with magnet can be used), plastic bag,
container, cotton cloth, tweezers or puller and water].
7. Rehabilitate the surface of the mine by returning all the country rock
materials minus the valuable minerals (make assumptions that the other
stockpiles are already processed and do not contain minerals anymore) into
the pit.
8. Answer the questions that follow on a separate sheet of paper.
A. From personal experiences and observations in the activity, describe the
properties of the different materials used in the mixture. Complete the
table.

Density Solubility Magnetism

(Light or heavy) (soluble or not (magnetic or not
soluble) magnetic)

sand
iron nails
pebbles
salt
sawdust

B. Based on the above properties, write the steps that will separate the mixture.
Way of Separating Substance or Material that Separate
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

C. What factors did you consider in selecting where to start mining the rocks?
____________
D. How has mining changed the land? _____________________________________
E. What have you done to rehabilitate the land after mining? ________________

28
 Assessment

Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What construction materials use clay as an important component?
A. steel C. wallboard
B. brick D. cement and concrete
2. What industry utilizes gold because of its properties such as malleability,
good conductivity and general resistance to corrosion and oxidation?
A. construction B. electronics C. textiles D. transport
3. Which of the following is one of the uses of chromite? Chromite is used ______.
A. in cookware
B. in medical equipment
C. for protective coating for steel
D. for chrome plating for alloying stainless steel
4. What environment for ore deposit are diamonds found? Diamonds are found
in__________________.
A. ocean basin C. kimberlite magma
B. subduction zone D. hydrothermal vein
5. What process of mineral formation produces a precipitate like gypsum?
A. crystal settling C. evaporating water
B. volcanic eruption D. sifting of minerals by water current
6. What mineral is found at kimberlite magma?
A. coal B. diamond C. gold D. silver
7. How does water current affect in forming placer ore deposits? It __________ the
the sediments leaving __________minerals.
A. mixes; big B. moves; light C. sifts; heavy D. separates; light
8. Why is drilling an important step in mining? Drilling is important in mining to
determine the___________.
I type of ore II ore’s quality III amount of ore mineral
A. I only B. I & II only C. II & III D. I, II, & III
9. What is the correct sequence of the formation of a mineral vein?
I. filling cracks with minerals
II. deposition of solid mineral particles
III. hydrothermal solution flows through cracks in rocks
A. I, II & III B. II, I & III C. III, I, & II D. III, II & I
10. What type of magmatic process enables chromite to settle at the lower
portion of the magma chamber and solidifies ahead than most of the basaltic
magma?
A. crystal settling C. fractional crystallization
B. partial melting D. All of the above
11. Which method of mining is usually used during the extraction of higher grade
metallic ores?
A. placer B. surface C. open pit D. underground
__12. What method of extracting ore is best for minerals with light or lesser density?
A. magnetic C. flotation
B. heavy media separation D. cyanide heap leaching

29
13. What activities are done during mine site decommissioning or rehabilitation?
I. cleaning and reclaiming the area
II. reintroduction of plants and animals
III. rehabilitating the area for other purposes
IV. replacement of topsoil using contaminated soil
A. I, II & III only B. I, II, & IV only C. I, III & IV only D. I, II, III & IV
14. What bureau under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
is responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper
use of the country’s mineral resources including those in reservations and
lands of public domain?
A. Forestry Management C. Biodiversity Management
B. Mines and Geo-Sciences D. Environmental Management
15. How can you conserve mineral resources? Mineral resources can be conserved
by _____________________.
I. using them for another purpose
II. wasting mineral-derived products
III. maximizing the use of the products
IV. recycling the products or giving to others
A. I, II & III only B. I, II, & IV only C. I, III & IV only D. II, III & IV only

References

A. Internet Sources
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-importance-of-minerals
https://tinyurl.com/ntxy3f5c
https://web.njit.edu/~taozhou/ccc/PPT_Ch07.pdf
https://fac.ksu.edu.sa/sites/default/files/geo_221-unit-2_0.pdf
https://tinyurl.com/9b58ucza
https://www.teacherph.com/earth-science-senior-high-school-teaching-guide/
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-importance-of-minerals
https://www.oasdom.com/importance-of-mineral-resources/
http://mine-engineer.com/mining/mine2.htm
https://tinyurl.com/ntxy3f5c
https://tinyurl.com/k6yn5new
https://tinyurl.com/46x7ft6j
https://tinyurl.com/4bjv24zp
https://tinyurl.com/2259r7mh
https://tinyurl.com/yejvnh28
https://tinyurl.com/tsbuht5c
https://tinyurl.com/mdawhwb7
https://www.straterra.co.nz/mining-in-nz/importance-of-mining/
https://www.elaw.org/files/mining-eia-guidebook/Chapter1.pdf
https://tinyurl.com/3sjh8zk3
https://tinyurl.com/33kf85dr
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/geo/chapter/reading-effects-of-mining/

30
 31
What I Can Do – Activity 3 (Minerals in My House)
1. Minerals are important for different purposes: from household items, construction, energy
sources, communication, travels, recreation, food processing and even in multivitamins.
2.Non-renewable
3.Yes.
4.metallic cans, scrap metals, plastics
5.to reduce the amount waste and to decrease the demand of minerals being mined or to
conserve minerals
What’s New
The infographic depicts the estimated amount of minerals that each child born needs in
a lifetime. The amount is huge. (Note: Answers may vary but the idea should be about
consumption of minerals)
What’s In - Activity 1 (Similarities & Differences between Rocks & Minerals)
LESSON 1
Answer Key
Science. Quezon City, Philippines: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.
Olivar, J.T. II, Rodolfo, R., & Cabria, H. (2016). Exploring Life Through Science: Earth
B. Book
 32
What’s More – Activity 1 (Core Sampling)
1. Use the straw and drill the cupcake to get an idea about what is inside it. The
drilling will be done at different sides of the cake.
2. Steps in knowing what filling is inside the cupcake and estimating its amount:
a. Get the straw, position it in the middle of the bowl and drill (push in rotating manner)
vertically down the bottom.
b. Pull the straw out. Measure the thickness of the filling collected from the straw.
c. Drill the second and third holes in the left side and right side of the bowl, respectively.
Include the findings in the drawing.
3
Questions:
1. No. We need to drill and determine the depth, size, and shape of the mineral ore.
2. Yes.
3. Depth, size, and shape of the ore
Answer: We extract minerals through mining.
What’s New
What’s In Answer: EVAPORITE
LESSON 2
What’s More – Activity 2 (What Parts of the Computer is Mine?
Computer Mineral Components Identified Mineral
Parts (Scrambled) Components
eadl riumba lead barium
computer norob tiumnrost boron strontium
monitor nocsiil rusphospho silicon phorphorus
diumin indium
computer conlisi silicon
chip gaiumll gallium
computer alct sulruf talc sulfur
case cami ciumcal natecarbo mica calcium carbonate
syalc clays
nti iumlith tin lithium
dlog gaiumll gold gallium
cniz niumtati zinc titanium
computer eadl stentung lead tungsten
circuitry leets talumtan steel tantalum
revlis numalumi silver aluminum
ckelni miumchro nickel chromium
baltco niummanger cobalt germanium
percop copper
electrical reppoc copper
cords
 33
What I Can Do – Activity 3 (Operating a Mine)
Density Solubility Magnetism
(Light or heavy) (soluble or not) (magnetic or not)
sand heavy not soluble Not magnetic
iron nails heavy not soluble magnetic
pebbles heavy not soluble Not magnetic
salt heavy soluble Not magnetic
small light not soluble Not magnetic
pieces of
sachet
Ways of separating Substance or Material
that Separate
1. Picking with the use of a tweezer/ puller pebbles
2. Using a magnet Iron nails
3. Evaporating the water salt
4. Scooping anything that float thru a spoon sawdust
5. Scooping sand
Questions:
4. slope and stability of the land
5. The mining activities change the elevation and slope of the land, removal
of topsoil and vegetation.
6. Clean and rehabilitate the area.
What I have Learned
Activity 2 (Flotation)
1. Cup #1 – The peanuts and water settle at the bottom of the container.
2. Cup # 2 – The raisins float.
3. Flotation in the activity is a method that can be used to separated certain
material or mineral.
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Division of Cebu City

Office Address: Imus Street, Cebu City
Telephone Nos.: (032) 255-1516 / (032) 253-9095
E-mail Address: [email protected]

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