Description
Book SynopsisTable of ContentsPreface to the Second Edition . v
Preface to the First Edition. vii
1 The Where, What, and How. 1
The Structure of Planet Earth. 1
Definitions. 3
Concentrations of Metals. 13
Ore-Forming Processes. 15
Mine Exploration. 26
2 Mining Methods. 37
Surface Mining. 37
Underground Mining. 43
Mining Operations and Equipment. 53
Some Big Ideas. 65
3 Mineral Processing and Metal Refining. 67
Comminution. 67
Smelting and Refining. 84
Hydrometallurgy . 89
Physical Separation Methods. 106
4 Nonmetallic Minerals. 113
Coal. 113
Diamonds . 119
Aggregates . 123
5 Mine Waste Management. 129
Tailings. 130
Waste Rock . 139
Wastewater . 141
Acid Rock Drainage. 141
Mine Waste Treatment and Disposal Methods. 144
6 Mining, Society, and the Environment . 151
Human Resources . 151
Safety. 153
Health . 156
Mining and Society . 158
Mining and the Environment. 164
Mining and Sustainability. 167
Summary. 172
7 Mining and Money. 179
The Metal Supply System . 180
Metal Prices. 184
Resources and Reserves . 190
Reporting of Resources and Reserves. 196
Economic Analysis. 198
8 A Future of Mining. 203
Drivers of Innovation in Mining. 203
Paths for Innovation. 207
Biotechnology to the Rescue?. 210
Advanced Machines and Systems. 215
In Extremis: A Virtual Metal Supply Company. 218
Appendix A: All the Chemistry You Need to Know . 223
Appendix B: Grade Distributions and Grade–Tonnage Curves . 229
Index. 233
