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’)