Minerals Extracted from the Lithosphere

Minerals Extraction

Lithosphere refers to the outermost layer of the Earth, comprising the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.
Minerals are naturally occurring substances with a definite chemical composition.

Metallic Minerals: These include metals like gold, silver, iron, copper, zinc, and aluminium.
Non-Metallic Minerals: Non-metals like diamond, mica, asbestos, and gypsum are in this category.
Energy Minerals: Minerals used for energy production like coal, oil, and uranium.

Open-pit Mining: This method is used when minerals are found near the surface of the Earth. The overlying soil is removed to extract the minerals.
Underground Mining: This method is used when minerals are found deep within the Earth. Shafts and tunnels are dug to reach the minerals.
Placer Mining: Minerals are washed down from their sources and concentrated in rivers, and this method exploits those deposits.
Mountain top removal: Surface mining technique where entire mountaintops are blasted off to reach the mineral deposits.

Habitat Destruction: Mining often leads to serious damage to the surrounding ecosystems.
Water Pollution: Mining activities can contaminate water sources with toxic chemicals.
Air Pollution: Dust and gases released during mining can pollute the air.
Soil Erosion: Open-pit mining and mountaintop removal can lead to soil erosion.

Resource Recycling: Reusing and recycling minerals can reduce the reliance on mining.
Environmentally Friendly Mining Methods: Use of technologies that reduce the environmental impact of mining.
Restoration of Mining Sites: Restore mined areas to their natural state post mining.
Legal Regulations: Stricter laws and regulations can mitigate the environmental impacts of mining.