7 FUN FACTS ABOUT THE MINING INDUSTRY
Around the world, countries of all shapes and sizes depend on the vast wealth of resources waiting just underneath the surface of the planet. For centuries, mankind has used mining techniques as the basis for ushering entire civilizations into grand new eras.
Mining has become an integral part of the economy for almost every developing nation. The practice has created a rich history. Let look at a few fascinating facts about the mining industry.
1. The first metals to be unearthed were gold and copper.
Copper finds have dated back to 8,700 BC. Scientists have even located copper pipes that dated back more than five thousand years.
2. Individual Americans use an average of 40,000 pounds of minerals each year.
From the vitamins we use to ward off colds (zinc is great for that) to the minerals that we use to flavor our food (e.g. salt), Americans consume a myriad of minerals daily.
3. Petroleum is used in more than 6,000 daily items.
Far more than simply fueling our vehicles and heating our homes, petroleum is used in plastic, crayons, DVDs, and more.
4. The ‘Luck of the Irish’ is an old mining term.
During the gold and silver rushes in Western America, some of the most famous and successful miners were Irish immigrants or of Irish descent. This phenomenon gave rise to the phrase “The Luck of the Irish.”
5. The average modern electronic device has more than 35 minerals in it.
From the smartphone in your pocket to the computer you rely on for work, modern electronics use gold, copper, zinc (which is 100 percent recyclable, by the way), and several other minerals to function properly.
6. There’s more than one ‘Fool’s Gold’
You knew that pyrite was called “Fool’s Gold,” but so is chalcopyrite and biotite mica.
7. Gold is elusive.
It’s believed that upwards of 80% of the world’s gold has yet to be discovered and is still buried beneath the earth’s surface. And did you know that pure gold is so soft that it can be molded with nothing more than a simple hand tool?
The world of mining has been a benefit to mankind since its inception, and thanks to the innovations in vibratory equipment from General Kinematics it will continue to be a beneficial trade in the coming decades. Let GK put their revolutionary mining technology to work for you.
SOURCE: https://www.generalkinematics.com/blog/7-fun-facts-mining-industry/
