Mining Concepts Quiz

Write the letter of the term or phrase on the right that best matches the description on the left in the space provided: process of returning land to its original or better condition after mining

• reclamation

• extraction

• restoration

• rehabilitation

Answer explanation

The correct term is 'reclamation', which specifically refers to the process of returning land to its original or improved condition after mining activities. Other options like 'restoration' and 'rehabilitation' are related but not as precise.

Write the letter of the term or phrase on the right that best matches the description on the left in the space provided: minerals that contain valuable substancces

• ore

• rock

• gemstone

• mineral

Answer explanation

The term 'ore' refers to minerals that contain valuable substances, making it the best match for the description. Other options like 'rock' and 'gemstone' do not specifically denote valuable mineral content.

Write the letter of the term or phrase on the right that best matches the description on the left in the space provided: two or more metals that are combined

• alloy

• compound

• mixture

• solution

Answer explanation

An alloy is defined as a combination of two or more metals. This distinguishes it from a compound, which involves chemical bonding, and a mixture or solution, which can include non-metal components. Thus, the correct answer is 'alloy'.

Write the letter of the term or phrase on the right that best matches the description on the left in the space provided. 5. open pit used to mine materials near the surface

• open pit

• surface mine

• quarry

• shaft mine

Answer explanation

A quarry is an open pit used specifically for extracting materials like stone and minerals from near the surface, making it the best match for the description provided.

Match the following processes with their descriptions.

• Process of purifying a substance

• crushing

• Process of breaking down large chunks of ore into smaller pieces

• smelting

• Process of extracting a substance from a solid by dissolving it in a liquid

• leaching

• Process by which crushed ore is melted at high temperatures to separate impurities from molten metal

• refining

Answer explanation

The process described is called smelting, where crushed ore is heated to high temperatures to melt the metal and separate it from impurities. This distinguishes it from refining, leaching, and crushing.

Write the letter of the term or phrase on the right that best matches the description on the left in the space provided. 7. mining method used when ore deposits are located close to Earth’s surface

• surface mining

• subsurface mining

• placer mining

• mountain top removal

Answer explanation

The term 'surface mining' refers to mining methods used for extracting ore deposits that are located close to the Earth's surface, making it the best match for the description provided.

Minerals concentrated by wind and water movement into surface deposits are called (a)  

• wind deposits
• water deposits
• placer deposits
• concentrated minerals

Answer explanation

The term 'placer deposits' refers to minerals that are concentrated by wind and water movement into surface deposits. This matches the description provided, as it specifically involves the natural accumulation of minerals.

Match the following geological terms with their descriptions.

• the bending of rock layers

• folding

• the fracturing of the Earth's crust

• subsidence

• the sinking of regions of the ground with little or no horizontal movement

• faulting

• the rising of regions of the ground

• uplift

Answer explanation

The term 'subsidence' refers to the sinking of regions of the ground with little or no horizontal movement, making it the best match for the description provided.

The first step in surface coal mining is

• to remove and set aside the soil that covers the area to be mined.

• to use heavy equipment to take core samples.

• to test to see if quarrying would be more effective.

• to make cuts in the coal for easier removal.

Answer explanation

The first step in surface coal mining involves removing and setting aside the soil, known as overburden, to access the coal beneath. This is essential for safe and efficient mining operations.

A serious hazard of coal mining is (a)  

• a high-pressure water blast
• an aggregation
• excess overburden
• an underground mine fire

Answer explanation

An underground mine fire is a serious hazard in coal mining due to the potential for toxic smoke, explosions, and difficulty in extinguishing the fire, making it a significant risk compared to the other options.