Primer: The Mining Industry

KEY MESSAGES

• Minerals are solid substances, formed through biogeochemical processes, with specific chemical compositions and physical properties.
• Extracting valuable, desired minerals often involves a process of separating desired minerals from other minerals that are within the same rock or ore.
• The life cycle of a mine includes many stages that can include a production phase that lasts as long as 100 years.
• In contrast to the petroleum sector, the largest mining companies are privately held.

Mine Life Cycle - Mining Industry