Non-Metal Mining

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-018921",
  "term": "Non-Metal Mining",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "Non-metallic minerals include salt, gypsum, potash, phosphate, borax and other minerals used in the chemical industry. Sand and gravel extracted for glass making and construction (highways, buildings, and dams) is also regarded as a form of non-metal mining activity. These minerals are extracted primarily using open pit mining techniques, but may also employ underground mining techniques when the deposit is located hundreds or thousands of feet below the surface. Non-metal minerals and associated waste rock are generally of lower toxicity and more manageable than hardrock and coal mining wastes, but still have the potential to create environmental pollution from rainwater running off the piles.",
  "references": [
    "National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/non-metal-mining/"
}