Virtual Mining Lab

Name: Matthew Quintero Virtual Mining Lab Objective: - The virtual lab is used to understand the operations behind mining. Introduction: - Welcome to the “Dig a Little Deeper,” a virtual lab that takes you inside the world of copper mining, as you join a team of scientists who must choose which of three potential sites to build a copper mine. In order to make this decision, you must conduct the same tests that an exploration geologist, environmental scientist, and mining engineer do during the exploration phase of mining. Once your tests are complete, you will make a recommendation to a mining company about which site has the greatest number of benefits and the fewest trade-offs. Go to: https://www.digintomining.com/sites/default/files/virtual-lab/index.html#/ Procedure: - Click Start - Choose New User and Click Enter - Record your session ID # below so that you can come back if you did not finish in one sitting. Session ID # 30918bd2 - Read the introduction: Can you name five things in the room where you are sitting that don’t come from a mine? Wooden table, notebook, flag, map, poster - Once you have answered the question above and finished the introduction, click the orange arrow on the right of the screen. What is the mission of your role on the team? The mission is to which site is the best place to build a mine. What is the definition of a benefit? a positive trait or characteristic of a possible solution What is the definition of a trade-off? something you may not want but you must accept in order to receive the benefits of a particular solution. - Click the orange arrow and move on to the overview of the mining process. - In your own words, describe each part of the mining process.

Exploration Exploration is to find a place that would be the best for mining. Operations Involves mining and processing of mineral ore. Distribution Transporting the minerals that will be used for industries. Reclamation Regaining the land that was mined - Click the orange arrow, read about the exploration team. Then click the orange arrow again and learn about the mining experts-drag and drop the tasks to match the appropriate mining experts. Exploration Geologist studies the characteristics of the earth to identify the type, quality, and quantity of mineral found at the site collects soil, rock chips, and water samples to check for levels of copper found Environmental Scientist studies the impact of mining operations on the environment checks whether there are endangered plants or animal species on the site Mining Engineer determines how deep the deposits are and whether copper can be extracted from the surface without digging too deep studies factors such as roads, railways, and water supply, that could impact the efficiency of mining operations - Skip over the handbook (it will be laid out below for you as you move through the virtual lab) Your exploration mission - Read about each part of your mission; problem, mission, exploration, plan, and evaluate. Exploration:

Perform Tests for Each Career - For each of the career roles, perform the following tests and record your answers using the tracking tool below.

Capture Your Data - As you conduct each test, you can record and capture your data using the Mining Expert’s Tracking Tool. Mining Expert’s Tracking Tool Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Exploration Geologist Sociological Impact List the sociological impact this mine site has on its surroundings Tons of Ore at Site

Environmental Scientist Write down the species found at each site. 1. Bats 2. NM Ridge Rattlesnake 3. Deer 4. Bighorned sheep 5. Woodrats 6. Owl 7. White-footed mice 8. Voles Arizona Cliffrose Wait-A-Minute bush ● Redberry juniper ● Catclaw Acacia ● Mexican Crucillo ● Arizona rosewood ● Desert lavender 1. Loach Minnow ● Spinedace 2. 3. 4, 5. 6. 7. 8. Are any of these species endangered? If so, write them down below.

1.Woodrats 2. Desert Lavender 3.Loach Minnow 4. 5. 1.Bats 2.Voles 3.Mexican Crucillo 4.Spinedace 5. 1.Deer 2.Owl 3.Arizona rosewood 4.Spinedace 5. Groundwater Quality & Particulate Matter What was the quality of the ground water and surface water samples? Good What level was the particulate matter in the air sample? Acceptable level Ground water:Good Surface water:Good Air particulate matter: Acceptable Level Ground water:Good Surface water:Good Air particulate matter: Acceptable Level Ground water:Good Surface water:Good Air particulate matter: Acceptable Level

Benefits and Trade-offs - As you conduct each test, record the benefits and trade-offs for each site below. Site 1 Benefits: This site has very high amounts of copper deposits. Tradeoffs: A stream will need to be diverted and some endangered species of plants and animals will need to be rehabilitated. Mountains will need to be levelled and a road or a railway line will need to be built to connect to this remote site.

Site 2 Benefits: This site is relatively flat and is close to the roadway and the railway line. This site has moderate amounts of copper deposits. Tradeoffs: Owl habitat will need to be created. Site 3 Benefits: This site is relatively flat and is close to roadway. This site has high amounts of copper deposits. Tradeoffs: A ranch will need to be purchased from the owners. Stream protection measures will need to be implemented and a fish habitat repaired.

Topography Canyons Flat Terrain Hills Location River Road way Railroad Roadway Plants Arizona Cliffrose Wait-A-Minute bush ● Redberry juniper ● Catclaw Acacia ● Mexican Crucillo ● Arizona rosewood ● Desert lavender Arizona Cliffrose Wait-A-Minute bush ● Redberry juniper ● Catclaw Acacia ● Mexican Crucillo ● Arizona rosewood ● Desert lavender Arizona Cliffrose Wait-A-Minute bush ● Redberry juniper ● Catclaw Acacia ● Mexican Crucillo ● Arizona rosewood ● Desert lavender Animals 1. Bats 2. NM Ridge Rattlesnake 3. Deer 4. Bighorned sheep 5. Woodrats 6. Owl Bats 2. NM Ridge Rattlesnake 3. Deer 4. Bighorned sheep 5. Woodrats 6. Owl 2. NM Ridge Rattlesnake 3. Deer 4. Bighorned sheep 5. Woodrats 6. Owl

7. White-footed mice 8. Voles 7. White-footed mice 8. Voles 7. White-footed mice 8. Voles Fish V Loach Minnow ● Spinedace Loach Minnow ● Spinedace Loach Minnow ● Spinedace Groundwater Quality Good Good goodGood good Particulate Matter Acceptable level Acceptable level Acceptable level Sociological Impact Economic Impact Ton of ore at site: High concentration Average Average Record Your Research Plan - Use the chart below to write your research plan. Site 1 Site 2 Site 3

I believe site 2 because it has a good amount of resources and is near a railway and roadway which can provide better transportation.