PRS2070 Refining Rocks & Minerals

1.1 explain the social, economic and environmental significance of Alberta’s rocks and minerals

1.2 describe applications of Alberta’s industrial (nonmetallic) and metallic minerals; e.g., sand and gravel, cement and lime, peat moss, building stone, gypsum, clay products, sulphur, salt, gold and copper, iron ore, lead and zinc

1.3 describe inputs to processing within a mineral industry; e.g., mineral ores or aggregates; financial, human and natural resources; technology requirements

1.4 identify factors that influence the nature of a mineral processing industry; e.g., supply of raw materials, allowable production volumes, access to markets

1.5 identify environmental and safety concerns that influence practices within a mineral processing industry; e.g., workers and nearby residents, air, crops and livestock, forests and wildlife, soil and water quality

2.1 explain the stages, steps and technologies used in processing an industrial (nonmetallic) or metallic mineral; e.g., milling, dressing and cleaning; smelting, refining and upgrading

2.2 describe basic extractive technologies used in the mineral industry; e.g., thermal, mechanical, chemical, electrical

2.3 research and/or investigate the physical and chemical properties of a mineral substance, and relate these properties to technologies used for processing and refining; e.g., molecular structure, mass and density, magnetic characteristics, elasticity and stress

2.4 explain how industry uses technology in monitoring and controlling various refining processes

2.5 describe storage facilities and distribution systems within the industry and their impact on industry location and product costs; e.g., flow charts

2.6 explain how management practices conducted by industry throughout refining operations are influenced by environmental standards, environmental assessment and the enforcement of safe operating procedures

2.7 describe industry initiatives that respond to environmental concerns; e.g., advances in sulphur recovery technology, management of reactive rock wastes, water treatment, waste treatment, emission control

2.8 describe industry initiatives that address occupational health and safety requirements; e.g., odour scrubbers, noise suppressants, water purification, personal protective equipment, safety courses, emergency response strategies

2.9 describe industry initiatives in reprocessing and recycling mineral products to ensure a life cycle approach to resource management; e.g., waste and by-products

3.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:

3.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:

3.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:

4.1 recognize then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment

4.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities