Question

Which of the following is a deposit of hematite that can be mined at a profit? A) ore C) gangue B) anthracite D) energy resource

Short answer

A) Ore

Step-by-step solution

Define Key Terms

To solve the problem, you first need to understand the key terms related to mineral deposits. "Ore" is a type of rock that contains minerals with important elements including metals that can be extracted profitably. "Gangue" refers to commercially valueless material that surrounds, or is closely mixed with, a wanted mineral in an ore deposit. "Anthracite" is a type of coal, and "energy resource" is a broader term that includes natural substances used for energy production.

Identify the Mineral in Question

The exercise asks specifically about a deposit of hematite, which is an iron oxide mineral often found in rocks and is mined as the main ore of iron.

Analyze the Options

Look at each option: A) Ore, B) Anthracite, C) Gangue, D) Energy resource. Since hematite is a mineral that can be extracted for its iron content, it falls under the category of an ore. Gangue refers to worthless minerals, anthracite is coal, and energy resources refer to materials used to produce energy, so these do not apply.

Choose the Correct Option

The correct choice is A) Ore, as it refers to deposits of valuable minerals like hematite that can be mined profitably.

Key concepts

Hematite

Hematite is an essential iron oxide mineral commonly identified by its reddish-brown color. It is a fundamental source of iron.
Hematite's composition is primarily iron (Fe) bonded to oxygen. The chemical formula is commonly depicted as Fe₂O₃.
This composition accounts for approximately 70% iron content, making hematite one of the richest iron ores available.
Why is hematite so important?
- It's the main ore of iron, which is crucial for steel production.
- Steel is used in construction, manufacturing, and various industrial applications.
When discussing ore deposits like hematite, it's important to consider the size and concentration of the deposit, which determines its commercial viability. This means that only concentrated deposits with adequate volume can be mined profitably.

Mineral Extraction

Mineral extraction is the process of removing valuable minerals from the earth, which includes activities such as mining, drilling, and quarrying.
This process starts with identifying mineral deposits of economic interest, then involves multiple steps to extract the ore.
Main steps in mineral extraction:
- **Exploration**: Locating mineral deposits through geological surveys and remote sensing technology.
- **Mining**: Removing the ore from the ground via surface or underground mining methods.
- **Processing**: Separating the valuable minerals from the gangue, the material with no economic value. Techniques like crushing, milling, and flotation are used.
- **Rehabilitation**: Post-mining restoration of the land for future use or its natural state.
Effective mineral extraction requires balancing economic benefits with environmental impact to ensure sustainable practices.

Economic Geology

Economic geology studies the concentration of mineral deposits that can be economically recovered. It focuses on how ores are formed and their spatial distribution on a regional scale.
An economic geologist's primary role is to locate new mineral resources that are valuable and assess their potential profitability.
Key aspects in economic geology:
- **Ore genesis**: Understanding the geological processes that form mineral deposits over millions of years.
- **Resource evaluation**: Assessing the quality, quantity, and market demand for different minerals.
- **Feasibility studies**: Analyzing the economic viability, environmental impact, and technical aspects of mining a mineral resource.
Economic geology integrates knowledge from various sciences like mineralogy, petrology, and geophysics, helping to make informed decisions about which mineral deposits, like hematite, can be profitably mined.