Mining in CanadaMining in Canada

Types of MineralsTypes of Minerals

1. Metallic Minerals1. Rare minerals: gold, silver and platinum

2. Strength: iron

3. Human need: copper, nickel (rust proof), uranium.

2. Fossil Fuels1. In the 1800’s coal was the important fuel

2. Now, oil and gas power our nation.

3. Industrial Minerals1. Asbestos, potash, diamond, gravel

Importance of Mining in CanadaImportance of Mining in Canada

• Canada is one of the largest exporters of minerals.

• Mining has played a huge role in Canada’s transportation systems– Tax holidays for companies.

1) Strip mining1) Strip mining

• remove top of land• Blast with

dynamite • Material is shipped

to market or processed.

2) Open pit2) Open pit

• can delve deep into the earth

• Holes are drilled and filled with explosives

• Transported to market.

Underground MiningUnderground Mining

• Miners dig deep into the earth.

• b) explosives are used to blast rock apart

• c) Miners set up supports to stop the ceiling from caving in

• d) They then clear the good minerals and the muck away.

• Great Big Sea, Chemical worker’s song

Issues in Canadian MiningIssues in Canadian Mining

• Negative impact on the environment– Waste– Harmful emissions– Acid precipitation– Abandoned mines

• Vulnerable industry– Current economic crisis

• Mining towns are totally dependant on their mines. (see movie)

Task: Rehabilitation projectTask: Rehabilitation project

• You are a rehabilitation company. A mining company has defaulted on their loan. You are assigned the task of making the space beautiful again.

• Past rehabilitation projects include:– Tender fruit orchards and grape vineyards – Naturalization and wildlife habitat – Wetlands, floodplain habitat development – Recreational parks and lakes, trails and conservation

lands