Model a Mine

Purpose: To investigate the different types of mines, including open pit and underground mines

Task: To build a model of either an open pit mine or underground mine (The model does not have to be to scale)

Organisation: Small groups or whole class

You will need:

• Pictures or diagrams of mines

• Cardboard, polystene, playdough, clay, soil, plaster of Paris, balsa wood etc

• Teaching kit ‘Making It Mine’ from Minerals Council of Australia

Activity:

Divide the class into small groups

• Draw a labeled sketch of the mine showing main components (these could include wastedumps, tailings dam, ore stockpiles, transport system, processing plant etc

• Construct the individual components

• Assemble the mine with labels showing each part

Follow Up:

• Evaluate the design of the mine.(group or class discussion)

• How could it be improved?

• Make a model of what the area would look like after rehabilitation of the mine site