How Mining Works

Finally – Mining in Clear and Understandable Language. How Mining Works explains complex mining concepts in a way simple enough for those who are not familiar with the industry, yet thorough enogh to be useful to long-time professionals. This colorful book presents a logical and sensible sequence for acquiring a strong working knowledge of the world of mining.

Chapter 1 provides a quick geology review, explaining how the earth is structured … how, why, and where mineral ores are created … and how technological advances help us make educated guesses about where to locate new mines. The next three chapters present mining and refining operations.

Chapter 2 offers in-depth explanations about the different types of mining, the equipment and procedures needed for both surface and deep mining, and Chapter 3 follows with six methods for processing the ore into usable refined metal. And, since not all mines produce metals, Chapter 4 covers nonmetallic operations that produce coal, diamonds, and aggregates such as clays and feldspars. The second half of the book puts mining in the context of the wider world.

Chapter 5 examines four types of mining waste (including several subcategories) and how to deal with each.

Chapter 6 looks at labor practices, environmental sustainability, and worker and community health and safety—all critical in today’s highly regulated environment. Chapter 7 highlights mining economics, with detailed information on how mine products are priced, monetary arrangements between mines and smelters, and even the impact of reserves on mining’s future. Chapter 8 takes a visionary yet practical look at the future of mining, covering not only advances in expected areas (like robotics) but also in biotechnology, with a fascinating look at how plants, insects, and various microbes could be used to extract metals.

Appendix A provides a crash course in the chemistry sometimes needed to understand why rock goes in and metal comes out.