Tara Lead and Zinc Mines Learning Outcome Identify the ways humans use rocks in Tara Mines Discuss the impact this has on the Rock Cycle Mining in Ireland Important economic activity Employs 6000 people ID: 129825
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Slide1
Human Interaction with the Rock Cycle
Tara Lead and Zinc MinesSlide2
Learning Outcome
Identify the ways humans use rocks in Tara Mines
Discuss the impact this has on the Rock CycleSlide3
Mining in Ireland
Important economic activity
Employs 6000 people
Generates over 1 billion euro annuallySlide4Slide5
Lead
Valuable
Widely used
60% of all lead is used in lead acid batteriesHas many other uses;Plumbing
X-ray gowns
Ammunition
TV & Computer screens (blocks radiation)Slide6
Zinc
Galvanising steel (prevents rust)
Zinc dust & compounds used in;
CosmeticsPlasticsPaints
InkSlide7
Tara Mines
Navan
, Co MeathSlide8
Formation of Lead & Zinc
Rock containing metal is called ore
Carboniferous limestone
Formation of ore linked to movement of groundwater through the rockSeawater seeped into the rock
This was heated by geothermal energy from inside earth
As the hot seawater (brine) moved through the planes and joints, it dissolved small amounts of lead and zinc out of the rocks
The rich layers of ores within the rocks are called veinsSlide9
Human Interaction with Rock Cycle in Tara
Construct shaft mines
Extract ore
Disposal of waste productsTransport systemsSlide10
General Info
Shaft
Mine
Europes largest zinc mine5th
largest zinc mine in the world
Uses state of the art, remote control technology and computerised systems
Local economy in
Navan
has benefitted financiallySlide11Slide12
Employment
700 Jobs
Chemists
Environmental ScientistsMinersGeologistsSlide13
Mining in Tara
Output
transported to Norway, Finland & other European countries
Lead and zinc ores formed in faulted limestone
in
Navan
, over
350 million years
ago
Lie 50 – 900 metres below the surfaceSlide14
Extraction
Stope
and Pillar
Large areas (stopes) blasted out and pillars left standing to support themModern computerised machinery used to bring the ore to the surfaceSlide15Slide16
On the Surface
Rock crushed into powder
Chemically treated
Dried to form metal concentrateThen transported to Dublin PortSlide17
Further process details
Water used is
recirculated
and reusedSediment is extracted and storedBackfill may be needed in the
stopes
, cement and water pumped through the boreholesSlide18
Process Mill
Operates
continously
12 hour shiftsHighly computerisedOn-site laboratory –analysis tests on rock samplesSlide19
Environmental Protection
Landscaping to reduce visual impact
Wetland areas to treat water
Sheep grazing areasNoise and Dust levels constantly monitoredRegular reports to the EPASlide20
Spin-Off Effects
For every one job in Tara, three indirect jobs are supported.
Eg
; Caterers, Accountants, Truck Drivers, Safety Consultants, MetallurgistsSlide21
Future
2009; Threatened with closure
Demand for zinc to galvanise car bodies fell
However continued demand for zinc from China and India
Mine life extends past 2015Slide22
Keywords
Mining
Ore
ExtractionSystemEnvironmental ProtectionSlide23
Exam Question
‘People interact with the rock cycle in various ways.’ Examine this statement using an example you have studied.