How is copper mined in Canada?
Canada is the third largest copper producer in the world. Ontario and British Columbia are the two largest copper-producing provinces in Canada.TypesIn Canada, copper mining methods include both open-pit and underground mining. Open-pit mining is the best method for ore extraction for a resource near the surface. When copper is buried deep below the earth’s surface, miners access the metal from underground tunnels.FeaturesOpen-pit and underground tunneling are not exclusive of each other; the two methods can be used together to extend the life span of a mine. When an open-pit mine is nearing exhaustion, tunnels are excavated that allow miners to access the resource buried deep in the earth’s crust.ConsiderationsIn copper mining, the percentage of ore is low compared to the amount of waste rock; therefore, the ore has to be concentrated.MethodCopper is concentrated by grounding the mined rock and mixing it with water and chemical reagents. Air is blown through the mixture to cause coppe
