Mineral Extraction – The removal of solid mineral resources from the earth

NOTE:

These resources include ores which contain commercially valuable amounts of metal such as iron and aluminium; precious stones such as diamonds; building stones such as granite and sandstone; and solid fuels such as coal and oil shale.

To remember the meaning of the term Mineral Extraction, use the following mnemonic:

MINERAL

MINE - RAL

Mineral has the word "mine" in it which should remind you that you can mine and extract many things from the earth, as follows:

While minerals are vitally important to us, mining can have a distinct downside for the environment.

Mining can lead to soil erosion, sinkholes, deforestation; loss of biodiversity; overuse of water resources; dammed rivers; wastewater disposal issues; acid mine drainage; and contamination of soil, ground and surface water. All of this may lead to health issues for local populations.