Chemistry Activity SheetMetal from MineralsWhat is a mineral?A mineral is a rock that contains minerals and essential elements such as metals. It occurs naturally and is obtained through mining. Precious elements are then extracted from it through different methods. In simpler words, it is a naturally occurring solid material from which a precious metal or mineral can be profitably extracted. IronHow does iron occur naturally in the environment? Iron is very reactive and occurs naturally in the form of oxides, carbonates and sulfates. Iron, in terms of mass, is the most common element on Earth, forming its very internal core. It is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust. How is iron formed in the earth's crust? The very common presence of iron in rocky planets like Earth is due to its abundant production following the merger of high-mass stars. Iron Ore Iron ores are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be extracted. The minerals are generally rich in iron oxides and range in color from dark gray, bright yellow, deep purple to rusty red. Iron itself is usually found in the form of magnetite (Fe3O4), hematite (Fe2O3), goethite (FeO (OH)), limonite (FeO (OH).n (H2O)), siderite (FeCO3) and iron pyrites (FeS2 ). ). The main iron ore is hematite. Iron ore contains impurities, mainly silica (silicon dioxide). Since iron is below carbon in the reactivity series, it can push out or displace iron from iron oxide. Minerals that carry very large amounts of hematite or magnetite (greater than about 60% iron) are known as "natural ore" or "direct ore" carrier ore, meaning they can be fed directly into the iron by inserting them into the blast furnaces. Most reserves of this mineral are now... half paper... and community development projects are important. Mining can have a negative impact on people by: • forcing them to abandon their homes and their land • preventing them from accessing clean land and water• impact on their health• changing the social dynamics of a communityRestoring the balanceScientists and environmental groups have become increasingly concerned in recent decades about the damage caused by mining projects La Their ongoing campaign has led to the introduction of new government legislation for mining and mineral exploration. They have also worked with mining companies and government departments to create environmentally sound land use solutions. These include providing sufficient funding for the rehabilitation of mine sites, limits on the types of chemicals that can be used, and stricter laws for the disposal of mining waste products.