Mining Production, Industrial Classification and Global Trends
Classified in Geography
Written on in 
English with a size of 2.58 KB
Mining Production and Environmental Effects
- Changes to the underground: Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) is dangerous because highly pressured water and chemical products are injected into rock containing oil, then extracted. Damage to areas deep below the surface causes shifts in rock layers and minor earthquakes.
- Pollution: Ground, rivers, and aquifers are polluted by waste products of harmful chemicals used to extract minerals (such as mercury and lead). This has devastating effects on wildlife and workers. Air pollution results from burning gas and oil during extraction. There is also the risk of nuclear accidents (e.g., Chernobyl and Fukushima).
4.1 Classification of Industrial Activities
- Base industries: These perform the first changes to raw materials to provide energy or semi-finished materials used for producing other products (e.g., bricks).
- Consumer goods industries: These manufacture products sold directly to the consumer as final products.
- Light and heavy industry: Classified by the volume of raw materials used and the number of employees: Small (less than 50), medium (50–100), and large (more than 100).
Great Industrial Areas
- Original industrial areas: Large industrial areas where the Industrial Revolution emerged, such as the centre of Germany (Ruhr), France, and the centre of England.
- New industrial areas: Areas that have emerged in the last 20 years, such as the United States (Silicon Valley).
6. Industrialisation Crisis
Industry, great engine of change in society from the 19th century-middle of the 20th century. It was replaced by the tertiary sector. It has adapted to the new requirements by looking for new areas of production.
Deindustrialisation means abandoning industrial activity and industrial areas it occupied, or replacing the industries with others.
Development of industry in urban areas made many areas experience functional reconversion to become new urban neighbourhoods, centres for tertiary activities or parks.
Industrial relocation, abandoning the traditional industrial areas to look for new locations.
Affects all companies with low technology, elevated labour costs and low productivity. Can be more efficient and productive thanks to lower labour costs and longer working hours, replacing most of the machines and new technologies, economic support and fewer environmental demands.