Page 41 - Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology

B. How is everything in FIGURE 1.1 related?

C. According to the Minerals Education Coalition, every American born in 2012 will consume 978 pounds (80.7 kg) of copper

in his/her lifetime ( www.mineralseducationcoalition.org ). Analyze the three parts of FIGURE 1.1 listed below, and do your

best to answer the questions based on what you observe.
1.1A: Aster satellite images of Escondida mining region, Chile. How could geologists use these
images, at this scale of observation, to find new sources of copper ore?

1.1B: Ground view of Escondida open pit mine. How can geologists and miners locate copper
ore when they view the mine at this scale of observation?

1.1D: Minerals of Escondida open pit mine. What must be done with these ore minerals to
provide you with the copper you need?

D. REFLECT & DISCUSS Analyze FIGURE 1.1A , ASTER satellite images of Chile’s Escondida Mine and vicinity. This is

primarily a mine for copper ore minerals, from which copper is extracted. Some silver and gold are also extracted from the
same ore. The ore is mined from large open pits. Notice how these pits appear in the images.
1. Imagine that you are a geologist who has been hired by Escondida Mine to find the best location for a new pit. Which

location, A, B, or C, is probably the best site for a new pit? What evidence and critical thinking process leads you to this
conclusion?

2. What plan of scientific investigation would you carry out to see if the location you chose above is actually a good source

for more copper ore?

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