Question

Describe the factors that affect mining activities.

Answer 1

Answer: Major factors affecting exploitation of mineral resources in the world are as follows:

(i) Richness or Grade of Ore : The abundance or otherwise the absence of minerals determines in a large measure their commercial exploitation. Ores vary in their metal content. Generally the higher-grade ores are more economic to work, not only because they yield a large amount of metal but also because their higher metal content makes them easier and cheaper to smelt. Minerals of high value such as gold, diamonds, copper, uranium, can often be mined at very high cost because they are in great demand and fetch high prices.

(ii) Size of Deposit : The size of the deposit is important because mining requires a large amount of expensive equipment. It will not be worthwhile to provide such equipment to work a deposit which will run out in some months. Small- scale working is only profitable for precious minerals. Sometimes, small deposits may be worked out profitably where transport cost is low.

(iii) Method of Mining :The method of mining depends on the mode of occur­rence of the ores. The open-cast mining is the cheapest, while shaft mines are very expensive. The cost of mining also depends on the scale of operations. If the mining has been done at a large scale, the capital and running costs can be offset.

(iv) Accessibility: The accessibility of a region where the particular mineral deposit occurs is of great significance. The terrain and climate determine accessibility which helps or hinders the mining operations.

(v) Transportation Facilities : For a successful mining transportation facilities are very essential. Not only for the mining but it is also necessary for mined ores to be transported at the sites of their use. Ores are relatively bulky and heavy. They are thus costly to transport and the shorter the distance to be covered the better. The deposits having coastal location or located near industrial sites have an advantage over those far inland.

(vi) The stage of Industrilastion : The stage of industrialisation of a country is the general index of the exploitation of her mineral wealth. In fact, mineral exploitation is cumulative in the industrial cycle. The vast mineral resources of China, India and Brazil almost remained neglected till they marched on the path of industrial development.

(vii) Technology: Technological changes pertaining to mining methods, manufac­turing processes and the like may change once worthless deposits are converted into esteemed commercial ores. The technique of geological survey has now been changed.

With the help of remote sensing techniques, one is able to estimate the reserves of mineral resources of a region. Other technological changes have changed the pattern of exploitation of mineral resources.

(viii) Other Factors: Among other factors (a) cheap labour supply, (b) competition from other sources, and (c) economic system and tariff policies are notable.

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