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Geography
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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3
Uploaded by MateViper1908
Precious Metal Mining in Northeast Iowa
1.
What are the target minerals for this situation in Northeast Iowa (This can be a short list) and a brief
description of the depth below the surface of the target minerals (a sentence or two should suffice)?
Some of the target minerals for this situation in Northeast Iowa consist of copper, nickel, platinum and other
increasingly valuable metals. Scientists are looking a couple thousand feet below the surface for these minerals.
In the 1960s, there was a donated sample from 3,000 feet below the surface. They are not exactly sure what
minerals are down below the surface and it will cost a pretty penny to dig deep enough to examine the likely
hotspot.
2.
What sort of mining operation might be necessary to extract these types of minerals at this depth
(https://www.americangeosciences.org/critical-issues/faq/what-are-main-mining-methods) and why
do you think this (a few well-researched sentences should adequately answer this question)?
Out of the four main methods of mining that was listed by the American Geosciences Institute, underground
mining methods seem to be the most adequate to extract these types of minerals at this depth. The most
common minerals that are extracted using the underground mining method include gold, lead and silver. This
type of mining can be more comfortable and controlled for those working in the environment. The humidity and
temperature can be regulated and there is less exposure to dust as compared to other types of mining. In
addition, there are less exposures to noise and other environmental hazards.
3.
In Northeast Iowa we have what is known as Kart geology.
Define Karst Geology and explain what
impacts new mining in the area may have on this specific type of geology.
This answer should be ~1/4
of a page of quality writing.
Karst geology is a type of landscape that consists of dissolving of the bedrock that creates springs, caves, sinking
streams, and sinkholes. A Karst is created from soluble rocks that dissolved, for example limestone or dolomite.
Karst geology approximately makes up 20 percent of the land within the United States. There are also karsts
found in other parts of the world including Madagascar, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and China.
Northeastern Iowa sits on top of a Paleozoic plateau, which is an area that there is a large existence of Paleozoic
age sedimentary rock where there is in some areas a low amount of topsoil. Over time, the Paleozoic mineral
deposits harden, become brittle rock strata, and fracture from the Earth’s crustal movements, creating deep
vertical cracks. One of the most impressive Karst features is Cold Water Cave just east of Kendallville, IA. Since
Karst geography is common in northeast Iowa, it is important to know the consequences it could have on water
quality. Due to this, sinkholes are more common and happen right in Iowa more often than people think. This
happens because of the Karst terrain and the solubility and porosity of the karst layers. Water contamination
problems come hand in hand with karst terrain. If they implement new mining, there are risks that could impac
the karst and the wellbeing of those involved. Another issue that arises is that in Karst regions, groundwater
could contain infectious viruses, bacteria, agricultural or industrial chemicals along with other hazardous agents
That means that wells that are locate in Karst areas could be contaminated.
Overall, from the research I have
conducted, mining with a karst could increase the amount of sink holes or cause more water contamination.
4.
Metallic mining operations are often associated with sulfidic geology.
Read the brief synopsis on
“Sulfides” and “Water Pollution” at the following link and explain what some possible impacts on
water resources in Northeast Iowa may be.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-
biological-sciences/iron-sulfide (no need to buy the chapters or anything, just get started with what is
there).
This answer should be ~1/4 of a page of quality writing.
There are many possible impacts that sulfides and water pollution would have in the Northeast Iowa region, bu
I think the biggest one is caused by excessive nutrients in water that come from fertilizer or organic matter. This
can cause algae to form in lakes that can sometimes leave the water smelly and make it difficult for boating. If
there are high levels of this, it can kill fish by decreasing dissolved oxygen in the water. Bacteria can be found at
elevated levels in up to 30% of private wells in Iowa, causing the water to be contaminated. Water pollution can
make water unusable for cooking, cleaning, swimming and drinking, depending on how polluted it is. If iron
sulfide is exposed to the water, it will change the color from clear to a yellow/reddish color.
5.
Mining operations will also have an economic impact in the area.
The following is an assessment of
mining activities in a county in Illinois https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TFr2Bl0-
dELDnzlwEsZiV1ECt6B1xDYZ/view.
Please skim this document and understand the economic role that
mining can play in an area, understanding that this is a description of a different place with different
minerals than Northeast Iowa.
What were the three most important takeaways from this article for
you regarding the economic impact of mining (just a brief 1-2 sentence summary of each please
)?
This article overall was interesting and informative. The first thing I took away from this reading was that
limestone and dolomite are the most widely quarried rocks in Illinois, and crushed stone is the states more
important rock product. In LaSalle County specifically, crushed limestone, sand, gravel, and silica sand are the
major industrial minerals that are produced.
The second thing I took away from this reading is that the direct
impact of jobs, wages, and sales tied directly to the mining industry. A study was done to show that 83% of the
industry’s employees live in LaSalle County. In 2013, it was reported that the mining industry was responsible fo
almost 2000 jobs. The third thing I took away from this reading was the impact of industry spending on
contractors. I found it interesting that $27 million (48%) is estimated to have been spent within LaSalle County
out of the $56 million that was reported across eight industry sectors.
6.
Please reflect on what you learned regarding the possibility of metals mining in Northeast Iowa.
Wha
do you think should be the position of communities in the area with regards to allowing these mining
activities, should they be allowed?
Why or why not, defend your position.
This answer should be ~⅓
of a page of quality writing
.
Throughout this assignment I learned a lot about mining in Northeast Iowa. I believe that these mining activities
should be allowed. I think this because even though there are risks and negatives that can come with it, mined
materials are need for many different things. Mined mineral can go towards building new houses, roads, and
hospitals. These minerals can help make computers, generate electricity, and provide the many other goods and
services that we enjoy daily. Mining also gives job opportunities to people in the area. In the United states
alone, there are around 787,924 people employed in the mining industry. Though this job can be dangerous, it
still is necessary. Even though the initial mining can be expensive, the items that you gain from mining would
make it all worth it in the end. One of the articles mentioned that there could be up to 1 trillion dollars in
minerals under northeast Iowa, which with that fact alone it makes all the risks worth it in my opinion.
1.
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