Rocks and minerals and their exploitation

Topics

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Sample objectives

What this unit covers

• Formation of rocks: Students should be able to describe and analyze the rock cycle, as well as state and explain how specific types of rocks are formed, including igneous rocks like granite and basalt, sedimentary rocks such as limestone, sandstone, and shale, and metamorphic rocks including marble and slate.
• Extraction of rocks and minerals from the Earth: Students should be able to explain various techniques for extracting rocks and minerals from the Earth, including surface mining methods such as opencast, open-pit, open-cut, and strip mining, as well as subsurface mining techniques like deep and shaft mining. Additionally, they should discuss the factors influencing the choice to extract these resources, which include exploration, geology, accessibility, environmental impact assessments, and supply and demand.
• Impact of rock and mineral extraction: Students should be able to describe and explain the environmental, economic, and social effects of rock and mineral extraction, including habitat loss, various types of pollution (noise, water, land, air, visual), waste management, job creation, enhancements to the local and national economy, and upgrades to facilities and infrastructure.
• Managing the impact of rock and mineral extraction: Students should be able to outline and assess methods for rehabilitating environments affected by rock and mineral extraction, including the safe disposal of mining waste, land restoration techniques such as soil enhancement and bioremediation, the establishment of lakes and nature reserves, and the use of these areas as landfill sites.
• Sustainable use of rocks and minerals: Students should be able to: define what sustainable resources and sustainable development mean; describe and assess methods for improving the efficiency of extracting and using rocks and minerals; explain the importance of recycling rocks and minerals; and understand relevant legislation. Additionally, students should study a case involving the development, effects, and management of a mine, including the restoration of land post-closure.