Question

Do an Internet search to determine what mineral(s) are extracted from the ground during the manufacturing of the following products: a. stainless steel utensils b. cat litter c. Tums brand antacid tablets d. lithium batteries e. aluminum beverage cans

Short answer

Stainless steel requires iron, chromium, nickel; cat litter uses bentonite; Tums use calcium carbonate; lithium batteries need lithium; beverage cans use aluminum from bauxite.

Step-by-step solution

Research Stainless Steel Utensils

Stainless steel is an alloy primarily made up of iron, chromium, and nickel. These minerals are extracted from the ground to produce stainless steel utensils. Iron is typically obtained from iron ores like hematite and magnetite, while chromite is mined for chromium. Nickel is typically mined from laterite and sulfide ore deposits.

Research Cat Litter

The primary mineral used in cat litter is bentonite, a type of clay, which is derived from volcanic ash. Some cat litters also use zeolite, silica, and diatomite, all of which are minerals extracted from the earth.

Research Tums Brand Antacid Tablets

Tums antacid tablets are primarily made from calcium carbonate, which is derived from limestone. Limestone is mined from the earth and processed to extract calcium carbonate.

Research Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries use lithium, which is sourced from mineral deposits such as spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite found in hard rock mines, or extracted from brine in salt flats.

Research Aluminum Beverage Cans

Aluminum is produced from bauxite, a mineral extracted from the ground. Bauxite is refined into alumina and then smelted to produce aluminum for beverage cans.

Key concepts

Stainless Steel Production

Stainless steel is a versatile and durable alloy, essential in many industries, from kitchenware to construction. It mainly comprises iron, chromium, and nickel. These metals are extracted from the earth as pure minerals or ores. Iron is most commonly obtained from iron ores like hematite and magnetite. These ores are rich in iron and are mined extensively across the globe.
For chromium, the mineral chromite is used, which is mined to provide this important element that gives stainless steel its corrosion resistance. Nickel, another crucial component, is primarily extracted from two types of deposits: laterite and sulfide ore. This unique blend of elements gives stainless steel its characteristic strength and rust-resistance.

• Iron: from hematite, magnetite
• Chromium: from chromite
• Nickel: from laterite, sulfide ore

Mineral Extraction

The process of mineral extraction involves economically viable extraction of valuable minerals from the earth. Minerals are solid substances, often crystalline in form, found naturally in the earth. The extraction process can involve mining from the surface or underground.
Surface mining includes open-pit mining, strip mining, and mountaintop removal. Underground mining involves digging tunnels or shafts. Each method depends on the geology and location of the mineral deposits, as well as the environmental considerations.
Extracted minerals are processed, refined, and used in manufacturing. This process can sometimes involve crushing or chemical treatments to free the desired mineral from the ore.

• Surface mining: open-pit, strip mining
• Underground mining: tunnels, shafts
• Process: crushing, chemical treatments

Bauxite and Aluminum

Bauxite is the primary source of aluminum, one of the most widely consumed metals in the world. Bauxite is a reddish-brown rock, mined from deposits found in tropical and subtropical regions. It primarily contains aluminum oxide minerals like gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore.
Once mined, bauxite undergoes a refining process to produce alumina (aluminum oxide), using the Bayer process. This involves crushing the bauxite and extracting alumina using caustic soda and heat. The alumina is then smelted to produce aluminum metal through an electrolytic process.
Aluminum is light, strong, and extremely versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from cans to cars.

• Bauxite: source of aluminum
• Refining: Bayer process
• Applications: cans, cars

Lithium Sources

Lithium, a key component in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, is extracted from two primary sources: mineral deposits and brine pools. Lithium is abundant in hard rock minerals like spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite, which are mined in countries like Australia and Canada.
Alternatively, lithium can be extracted from lithium-rich brine found in salt flats, notably in South America’s "Lithium Triangle" spanning Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The brine is pumped to the surface and evaporated in large ponds to concentrate the lithium, which is then further processed.
Lithium's high electrochemical potential makes it highly effective in energy storage, integral to modern technology like smartphones and electric vehicles.

• Minerals: spodumene, petalite, lepidolite
• Brine extraction: salt flats
• Use: batteries for electronics, vehicles

Calcium Carbonate in Antacids

Calcium carbonate is a compound widely used in antacid tablets like Tums. It is extracted from natural deposits of limestone, chalk, and marble. These minerals are rich in calcium carbonate and are mined extensively.
Once extracted, the limestone is crushed and ground into a fine powder to produce calcium carbonate. This compound effectively neutralizes stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn and indigestion.
Calcium carbonate is not only used in antacids, but also in dietary supplements and as a calcium fortifier in various food products, highlighting its versatility and importance.

• Sources: Limestone, chalk, marble
• Uses: Antacids, dietary supplements
• Effect: Neutralizes stomach acid