Mineral Resources

Rock that contains metal or important minerals is called ore. Large amounts of ore are called ore deposits.

Several methods of mining are used to remove rocks and minerals from the ground. When ore is close to the earth's surface, strip mining and open pit mining methods are used.

Shaft mines are dug when the ore deposits are deep below the surface.

Nearly all mineral resources need to be processed after they are mined. A process called smelting mixes the ore with other substances and then melts the mixture to separate the useful minerals and metal.