Minerals, ores and refractors are the entire reason that mining exists. For thousands of years, people have realised the value of many different substances found in the earth; but over the years, mineral and ore mining has undergone significant changes in order to increase safety and efficiency.

When talking about mining, one first must understand the difference between minerals and ores. Minerals are substances found in rocks that may contain many different elements; when these compounded elements are broken down into the separate parts; those separate parts are called minerals. In India, mica is one of the most commonly mined minerals, along with bauxite, diamonds and limestone.

Ores are minerals found in high enough concentration to be of value. Commonly mined ores are iron (India is the largest producer in the world), gold, silver, copper, zinc and manganese (which many may not have heard of). Manganese is used more than most would believe, not only in steel production, but in foods as well.

Mines can be designed in one of several types; the type of mine will depend on the desired ore or mineral being extracted. Open pit mines are used when visible mineral deposits are available; pit mines are large holes dug in the Earth’s surface which makes access to the minerals easier for the large equipment. Other types of mining practices include strip mining and underground mining.

Without minerals, ores and refractors, our world would be a different place; no oil, no iron or steel and no decorative minerals or ores, to say the least.