Mining: The process or occupation of extracting ore or minerals or other geological materials from deep beneath the earth usually is called mining. These deposits form a mineralised package that is of economic interest to the miner.
Factors Influencing Mining Activities: Mining of minerals is made possible by the considerable presence of minerals in a region. But physical and human conditions also influence mining of minerals.
1. Natural Conditions: Natural conditions mainly include situation of mineral deposits, quality of minerals, quantity, type, richness of mineral ores and proximity to market regions.
2. Human Conditions: Human conditions mainly include demand for minerals, transportation facilities, capital, labour, level of technological advancement, government policies, etc.
Distribution of Minerals: Minerals are directly related to the rocks.
There are three types of rocks:
1. Ingeous rocks
2. Metamorphic rocks
3. Sedimentary rocks.
Gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, manganese, mica, sulphur etc. are found in igneous rocks, Graphite, diamond, marble, etc. are found in metamorphic rocks. Coal, petroleum, natural gas, rock phosphate, potash, salt, etc. minerals are found in sedimentary rocks. Minerals found across the world are classified on the basis of their nature, origin, structure and composition; which are given below:
