LESSON PLAN

Week:
Taught By: -------------
Date: _______

Subject: Introduction to mining & Machinery/ Techniques Course

Mining is the process of extracting valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth. It has
been an essential activity for thousands of years and has played a crucial role in the development of
civilizations. Mining provides us with various resources that are used in numerous industries, including
construction, manufacturing, energy production, and technology.

The primary objective of mining is to locate and extract mineral deposits from the earth's crust. These
mineral deposits can include metals, such as gold, silver, copper, iron, and aluminum, as well as non-
metallic resources like coal, diamonds, limestone, and gypsum. The process of mining involves the
removal of overlying soil, rock, or other materials, known as overburden, to access the desired mineral
deposit.

There are several methods of mining, and the choice of technique depends on factors such as the type of
deposit, its location, and its depth. Some common mining methods include:
 Open-pit mining: This method involves the excavation of a large open pit or quarry from
the surface to extract minerals. It is suitable for shallow deposits and involves the use of
heavy equipment, such as trucks, shovels, and bulldozers, to remove the overburden and
extract the minerals.

Underground mining: This technique is employed when mineral deposits are located deep
underground. It involves the construction of tunnels and shafts to access the deposit.
Underground mining can be further categorized into various methods, such as drift mining,
slope mining, and shaft mining, depending on the specific mining operation.

Placer mining: This method is used to extract minerals, particularly gold and other precious
metals, from riverbeds or alluvial deposits. It involves the use of water to separate the
heavier minerals from the sediment through techniques like panning, sluicing, or using
dredging equipment.

Mountaintop removal mining: This method is primarily used for coal mining. It involves
the removal of the top of a mountain or ridge to access coal seams. The overburden is often
deposited in adjacent valleys, which can have significant environmental impacts.

Mining operations have environmental, social, and economic considerations. They can have both positive
and negative impacts on the surrounding ecosystems, local communities, and workers' health and safety.
Consequently, mining companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to minimize their
environmental footprint and ensure responsible mining.

In summary, mining is a vital industry that extracts valuable minerals and resources from the earth's crust.
It provides the raw materials necessary for various industries and has been a driving force in economic
development throughout history. However, the responsible and sustainable management of mining
operations is crucial to mitigate potential negative impacts and ensure the long-term viability of our
natural resources

Importance Of Mining And Minerals Found In Pakistan

Pakistan is blessed with a wide variety of mineral resources, and mining plays a crucial role in its
economy. The country has significant deposits of both metallic and non-metallic minerals, which
contribute to various industries and provide economic opportunities. Here are some of the important
mines and minerals found in Pakistan and their significance:

Coal: Pakistan has substantial coal reserves, primarily located in the Thar Desert region. The
Thar coalfields have the potential to produce large quantities of coal, which can be utilized
for power generation, industrial processes, and as a source of fuel for various sectors. The
development of coal mines in Pakistan is aimed at reducing the country's dependence on
imported energy and fostering domestic energy security.

Natural Gas: Pakistan is known for its significant natural gas reserves, which play a vital
role in meeting the country's energy needs. Natural gas is used for power generation,
industrial processes, and as a fuel for transportation and domestic use. It also serves as a
feedstock for the production of fertilizers and petrochemicals, supporting the agricultural and
manufacturing sectors.
 Oil: Although Pakistan's oil reserves are relatively modest, the country still produces a
significant amount of oil domestically. Domestic oil production contributes to energy supply,
reducing reliance on imports and supporting the transportation and industrial sectors.
Pakistan also explores offshore areas to further expand its oil production capabilities.

Copper and Gold: Pakistan has substantial reserves of copper and gold in Balochistan
province. The Reko Diq copper-gold project is one of the largest known undeveloped
deposits in the world, with estimated reserves of billions of tons. The development of these
resources can significantly contribute to the country's economy through export earnings, job
creation, and technological advancements in mining and processing.

Iron Ore: Pakistan possesses large deposits of iron ore, primarily in the Chiniot and
Kalabagh regions. Exploiting these resources can support the growth of the steel industry in
the country, which in turn drives infrastructure development and various manufacturing
sectors.

Gemstones: Pakistan is renowned for its diverse range of gemstones, including emeralds,
rubies, sapphires, and tourmalines. These precious and semi-precious gemstones are highly
valued in the global market and contribute to Pakistan's exports, promoting trade and foreign
exchange earnings.

Salt: Pakistan is home to the second-largest salt mine in the world, the Khewra Salt Mine.
The country's salt reserves are significant and widely exploited. Salt mining supports various
industries, including chemical manufacturing, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
Pakistan is known for its high-quality salt, which is exported globally.

Marble and Granite: Pakistan has abundant reserves of high-quality marble and granite,
particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. These natural stones are used in
construction, architecture, and decorative applications, both domestically and internationally.
The marble industry contributes to employment generation, export earnings, and the
development of local communities.

The mines and minerals found in Pakistan offer substantial economic potential, employment
opportunities, and contribute to various industries. However, it is essential to ensure responsible mining
practices, sustainable development, and effective governance to maximize the benefits while minimizing
the environmental and social impacts of mining activities.

Introduction to minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic substances that have a specific chemical composition and a
crystalline structure. They are the building blocks of rocks and play a vital role in Earth's geology and the
functioning of various industries. Minerals are formed through geological processes over millions of
years, and they can be found in a wide range of environments, including the Earth's crust, oceans, and
even in outer space.

Minerals are classified based on their chemical composition and physical properties. Some common types
of minerals include silicates (such as quartz and feldspar), carbonates (such as calcite and dolomite),
sulfides (such as pyrite and galena), oxides (such as hematite and magnetite), and many others. Each
mineral has its own unique set of characteristics, including hardness, color, luster, cleavage, and specific
gravity.
The study of minerals is known as mineralogy, and mineralogists examine their properties, occurrences,
and uses. Minerals have a wide range of practical applications across various industries. Here are some
key uses of minerals:

Construction and Building Materials: Minerals like limestone, granite, and sand are
essential for construction purposes. Limestone is used for making cement, while granite and
sand are used for building structures, roads, and decorative purposes.

Metals and Alloys: Minerals such as iron, copper, aluminum, and zinc are extracted and
used in the production of metals and alloys. These materials are crucial for manufacturing
machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, and infrastructure development.

Energy Production: Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are minerals that are burned
to generate energy. Uranium, another mineral, is used as a fuel in nuclear power plants.
Gemstones and Jewelry: Precious and semi-precious gemstones, including diamonds, rubies,
emeralds, and sapphires, are prized for their beauty and used in jewelry and decorative items.

Industrial Minerals: Minerals like gypsum, talc, salt, and kaolin find applications in various
industries. Gypsum is used in the production of plaster and wallboard, talc is used in
cosmetics and ceramics, salt is essential for food preservation, and kaolin is used in the paper
and ceramics industry.

Electronics and Technology: Minerals such as quartz, bauxite, and coltan are used in the
production of electronic devices. Quartz is crucial for semiconductors and computer chips,
bauxite is used in aluminum production, and coltan is a source of tantalum, which is used in
electronic capacitors.

Minerals are of immense economic and industrial importance, and their sustainable extraction and
utilization are crucial for global development. It is essential to manage mineral resources responsibly,
taking into account environmental, social, and economic considerations.

Activity – 1 What do you know about mining

 Assessment plan
A couple of question will be asked from students to clarify the understanding of the whole class, for
example
 What is mining
 Discussion on Different techniques and its types of minerals
 Discussion on Usage of minerals
C.W: Write down the Types of mining used
H.W: Write On importance of mining.