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Mining as a process is arguably
one of two key foundations of
modern society -- the other one
being agriculture.The same way
we get crops and meat from
agriculture, we get raw materials
needed to create a whole range
of products that we use from
mining. Even during the stone
age, people have been collecting
stones and sharpening them
to make various tools and
weapons. Today, our demand for
stones, metals, and other mined
materials is higher than before
due to the technologies we use
-- cars, computers, appliances,
cell phones, houses, you name it.
Virtually everything we use today
need raw materials from mining
-- either as their components or
as components of the machines
that are used to make them.
Beyond this, mining can
contribute to social development
and development of science and
technology, while mitigating its
environmental impacts. Many
modern mining operations
contribute to national economies,
community development, and
environmental enhancement.
Satisfying the needs of
communities, following local
and national regulations, while
implementing environmental
programs to mitigate and even
improve the environment are
the hallmarks of what is called
"responsible mining." Science and
technology benefits from mining
as well. This is because the
challenges encountered in mining
operations encourage creative
thinking in order to come up
with innovative solutions. Mining
also opens up opportunities
for more detailed study of the
Earth especially the crust. These
solutions can spill over to other
industries and aspects of our
lives. Society depends on mining
on plenty of things.
What is mining and how did
the materials from mining end
up in our smartphones? SME
Mining Engineering Handbook
defines mining as "the set of
the processes, the occupation,
and the industry concerned
with the extraction of minerals
from the earth." It involves four
major steps namely, exploration,
development, production, and
finally, closure and rehabilitation.
The first step in any mining
NOVEMBER 2016
Mining Engineering and Its Importance
15