What is a mine? Why do people need it, what types are there and how does it work? This is what we learn from the article.
Definition
Mine is a mining company. This word comes from the word "ore". Ores are called rocks that are processed to extract the metals contained in them. It is distinguished depending on the chemical composition, origin, metal content and various impurities.
Plunge into history
Even in ancient times, people found ore deposits. In those days, its extraction was organized with the help of iron wedges, shovels, etc. They took out everything on their bodies. In those days, it was considered really hard work.
Today, mines are the largest underground enterprises. They are like mines, but they are not. Electric trains drive underground tunnels that drive production to specialized elevators. And already from here she rises up.
For whom and why mines are needed
The mine is one of the main necessities in the modern world. The main things that are produced from ore are cast iron and steel. In the modern world, there is not a single production working in the relevant field that could do without these materials.
There are also various types of mines:
- Uranium.
- Copper.
- Iron.
- Bauxite.
- Salt.
The names immediately understand what minerals are extracted in each of the species. Mining ore is a laborious process. Here is a deep dive under the ground for the extraction of various minerals. Today, there are two ways to obtain ore: open and closed.
Open. This is the most common and safest way to mine. It is convenient when there are no settlements or hard rocks nearby. To begin with, they dig a huge quarry with a depth of about 350 meters. Further, with the help of machines, ore is collected and raised to the surface.
Closed. Less secure way, rarely used. It is necessary if you need to save the terrain. In fact, it is costly. Expenses are incurred for the construction of underground tunnels, transportation of mining, etc. And at an unexpected moment the land may collapse and block access to the surface of the mine workers.
The most famous mine deposit is the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly. According to scientists, its resources will remain until 2020. Later they will decrease. The Ural Mountains are also considered large ore deposits in Russia. Smaller minerals are mined in the Irkutsk region, Transbaikalia, Khakassia, and in other areas.