Chapter 18. Geological Resources

Introduction

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, completing the exercises within it, and answering the questions at the end, you should be able to:

  • Describe the importance of geological resources to our way of life
  • Summarize the types of materials mined in Canada and explain some of the processes involved in the formation of metal deposits
  • Explain how a metal deposit is developed into a mine
  • Define acid rock drainage (ARD) and discuss why some mines can lead to ARD and contamination of the environment by metals
  • Summarize some of the important industrial materials extracted in Canada and describe what they are used for
  • Describe the processes that lead to the formation of coal deposits
  • Explain the processes that lead to the formation of oil and gas, the distinction between source rocks and reservoir rocks, and the importance of traps
  • Describe the origins and recovery of some of the unconventional fossil fuels
  • Describe the origins, discovery, and extraction of diamonds in Canada

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