Minereuri

Minereuri (ores) are rocks and mineral aggregates that contain economically valuable substances and can be mined profitably. They are the principal sources of metals and many industrial minerals. Ore minerals include hematite and magnetite in iron ore; chalcopyrite and bornite in copper ore; galena and sphalerite for lead and zinc; and native gold or silver in precious-metal ores.

Classification: Metallic ores contain metal-bearing minerals within a gangue. Non-metallic ores (industrial minerals) provide minerals such as limestone, gypsum, phosphate rock, and halite.

Formation: Ore deposits form through diverse geological processes, including magmatic differentiation, hydrothermal activity creating sulfide or oxide veins, sedimentary processes concentrating minerals, and placer deposition of dense metals.

Exploration and reserves: Evaluation uses geological mapping, geochemical sampling, drilling, and geophysical surveys. Reserve and resource estimates depend on grade, tonnage, and economic factors, with a cut-off grade indicating profitability.

Extraction and processing: Mined by open-pit or underground methods depending on geometry and grade. Beneficiation (crushing, grinding, separation by flotation, gravity, or magnetic methods) concentrates ore, followed by smelting and refining for metals or processing for industrial minerals.

Environmental and social aspects: Mining can affect land, water, and ecosystems; responsible practice includes waste management, tailings containment, land rehabilitation, and stakeholder engagement.

Notable examples: iron ore (hematite, magnetite), copper ore (chalcopyrite), lead-zinc ores (galena, sphalerite), gold and silver ores, bauxite as aluminum ore, limestone and gypsum as industrial minerals.