Mining and Energy Resources

Front

Mineral

Back

A natural, usually inorganic solid that has a characteristic chemical composition, an orderly internal structure, and a characteristic set of physical properties.

Front

Ore Mineral

Back

A mineral that contains one or more elements of economic value.

Front

Subsurface Mining

Back

A mining method in which ore is extracted from beneath the ground surface.

Front

Surface Mining

Back

A mining method in which soil and rocks are removed to reach underlying coal or minerals.

Front

Placer Deposit

Back

A deposit that contains a valuable mineral that has been concentrated by mechanical action.

Front

Smelting

Back

The melting or fusing of ore in order to separate impurities from pure metal.

Front

Subsidence

Back

The sinking of regions of the ground surface with little or no horizontal movement.

Front

Reclamation

Back

The process of returning land to its original condition after mining is completed.

Front

Fossil fuel

Back

A nonrenewable energy resource formed from the remains of organisms that lived long ago, examples include oil, coal, and natural gas.

Front

Electric generator

Back

A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.