1. Chapter 5 Geologic Resources Earth Science and the Environment (4th ed) Thompson & Turk

2. 5.1 Mineral resources Includes ore and non-metallic Ore metallic mineral deposits that can be mined for a profit (about 40 important ones) Non-metallics everything else Sand, gravel, stone, etc Mineral resources are non-renewable 3. Table 5.1a, p.99 4. How Ore and ore deposits form Naturally enriched in metals by geologic processes Disseminated ore - when metals permeate the pores of the country rock 5. How Ore and ore deposits form Magmatic processes Crystal settling creates layers, some with value Hydrothermal processes the most common ore- forming process Hydrothermal vein when metals precipitate in a crack / fracture 6. Fig. 5.6, p.101 Common Areas of Ore Deposits Because of the magmatic nature of ore creation most ore deposits are found near subduction zone plate boundaries 7. How ore and ore deposits form In oceans submarine hydrothermal systems Black smokers along mid-ocean ridges Cu, Pb, Zn, Au Manganese nodules a potential Pacific resource 8. How ore and ore deposits form Sedimentary processes Placer deposits dense minerals (like gold) get deposited in streams Precipitates dissolved mineral matter gets left behind when water evaporates. Halite, borax, gypsum, sodium sulfate, etc. Weathering processes Altered material left behind by water - bauxite 9. Fig. 5.10, p.104 10. Mineral reserves Reserves are known amounts of ore in the ground Minerals unevenly distributed across Earth 5 nations supply most of the worlds mineral needs Developed nations use most of them The US depends on the 25 nations for >1/2 its mineral resource needs. 11. Rare Earth Metals Key to technology With tongue-twisting names like dysprosium, yttrium, and neodymium, these 17 metals are found in products ranging from cell phones and computers to medical devices and jet engines. They play an important role in the coatings, magnets, and phosphors used in green technology, such as photovoltaic thin film panels, fluorescent lighting, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. On March 13, the United States, Japan, and European Union filed a World Trade Organization complaint against China for restricting exports of these minerals and driving up prices. As trade officials try to find a resolution, scientists around the world are searching for substitutes. National Geographic April 2012