Why Is it important for miners & mining companies to be aware of th specific characteristics of minerals?

Question

Explain. ~*HAPPY LATE EASTER!~ <3 = )

Answer 1

Some minerals contain high concentrations of very useful elements, like metals (Au, Ag, Pb, Zn, Al, Ba, Cr, Ni, Cu, etc.). Minerals from which these elements can be extracted economically (i.e. for a profit), are called ore minerals.

Everything we use comes from the Earth; either its grown or its mined. If its mined it probably comes from an ore mineral.

So mining geologists need to know how to recognize the ore minerals from the ones that don't have any usable elements, they need to know how to get the desired elements out of the mineral, and they need to know how to find more.

Answer 2

Some minerals can blow up when exposed to other chemicals, so they have to know what they can and can not use when mining minerals. Also some minerals give off toxic gas, under the wrong conditions: they have to know what condition to avoid and what to look out for. A mine is a very dangerous place to be working, the more you know what to look out for the safer you will be.

Answer 3

Is important to know exactly what your digging so your not wasting time and money moving the wrong stuff. Also some rocks are reactive and produce sulphuric acid when exposed to oxygen and must be handled correctly. Some rocks have a higher sheer strength than others so are less prone to collapse. By knowing the mineralogy of the ore body and surrounding waste rock you can predict tonnages of both waste and ore and plan ahead.
Shareholders also like to see predicted outcomes and profits.

Answer 4

So they know what are the physical & chemical properties so that in case of any risk during mining they can take adequate precautions. Also how would be ---in terms of condition, to mine a particular mineral.