Mines

Mines are deposits of minerals in their crude or ore forms which are either underground or surfaced. Mineral deposits of iron, coal, diamond, aluminum, copper, gold, silver, and zinc occur in forms of open cast (surfaced) and subterranean (underground) mines. Petroleum a natural fossil deposit occurs in the form of wells.

Some common ores include magnetite (iron ore), bauxite (aluminum ore), magnesite (magnesium ore), copper pyrites (copper ore), and zinc blende (zinc ore). Most of these ores are igneous rocks created by the solidification of lava flows. Incidentally all open cast mines are formed of igneous rocks. Coal is a metamorphic rock and occurs underground. Diamond, the hardest substance, is also a carbon allotrope formed due to metamorphosis of coal. Native gold occurring in both open pit and underground mines is the principal source of gold, the others being the tellurides.

Some of world famous mines include Jwaneng diamond mine in Botswana, Argyle diamond mine in Australia, Monte Cristo gold mine in Los Angeles, Coeur d'Alene silver mine in Argentina, Bailadila iron mine in India, Kinta Valley tin mine in Malaysia, Codelco copper mine in Chile, and New Castle coal mines in England.

Visit to these mines are a thrilling experience. In open pit mines excavators, bull dozers, loaders, and drills are used extensively. Blasting is a regular activity in these open cast mines. In underground mines the use of explosives is restricted and all ores are dug out. Trolleys and lifts are used widely in these mines to carry ores. From the mines, either underground or open cast, conveyor belts or cable trolleys are used to convey the ores to loading sites. These loadings are done on railway wagons or trucks. This entire process of digging out or blasting of ores to loading is an interesting sight.