How Mining Works

How Mining Works explains complex mining concepts in a way simple enough for those who are not familiar with the industry, yet thorough enogh to be useful to long-time professionals.

This colorful book presents a logical and sensible sequence for acquiring a strong working knowledge of the world of mining. Chapter 1 provides a quick geology review, explaining how the earth is structured … how, why, and where mineral ores are created … and how technological advances help us make educated guesses about where to locate new mines.

The next three chapters present mining and refining operations. Chapter 2 offers in-depth explanations about the different types of mining, the equipment and procedures needed for both surface and deep mining, and Chapter 3 follows with six methods for processing the ore into usable refined metal. And, since not all mines produce metals, Chapter 4 covers nonmetallic operations that produce coal, diamonds, and aggregates such as clays and feldspars