1. Do an Internet search to determine what minerals are extracted from the ground during
the manufacture of the following products.:
o Stainless steel utensils: niobium and tantalum
www.rocksandminerals.com/uses.htm
o Cat litter: clay minerals - https://arizonadailyindependent.com/2015/08/19/the-
geology-of-kitty-litter
o Tums brand antacid tablets: calcium carbonate-
https://tums4yourtum.weebly.com/manufacturing-process.html
o Lithium batteries: aluminum, cobalt, iron, lead, lithium, magnesium, calcium,
sodium, and potassium - blog.grabcad.com/blog/2018/02/20/how-does-lithium-
mining-work
Aluminum beverage cans: Bauxite, gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore
https://mineralseducationcoalition.org/minerals-database/aluminum
2. Perhaps one of the most significant interrelationships between humans and the Earth
system involves the extraction, refinement, and distribution of the planet's mineral
wealth. To help you understand these associations, begin by researching mineral
commodities that are mined in Louisiana by reading the document located HERE
Answer the following questions:
o What were the top mineral commodities mined in Louisiana during 2012-2013?
Salt, Clays, Gemstones, Sand and gravel, gypsum, lime, and stone.
o Do you use products made from this mineral? I mainly use salt the most on my
food.
o Describe any negative effects of mining these minerals.