Tin

Question 1

tin definition

Answer 1

heavy metal found in igneous rock and in alluvial deposits. non-renewable but recyclable

Question 2

why is tin a point resource?

Answer 2

cannot gain large deposits of recovery

Question 3

what is tin used for?

Answer 3

tin plated food cans, as a coating with led or zinc and iron to prevent corrosion, for soldering in electronics or automotive parts in construction

Question 4

global pattern of tin production

Answer 4

mainly produced in asia and latin america. China produces most (100,000 tonnes. very smlall amount produce in EU

Question 5

South Crofty tin mine Cornwall

Answer 5

stretches back 3000 years. production peaked in 19th century

Question 6

how does geology affect tin?

Answer 6

• veritcal veins in granite, low metal content (8%)=lots of waste
• deep under sea-need pumping
• hard/tough to mine

Question 7

world price on tin

Answer 7

demand related to price. april 2004=$9000 t-1

Question 8

capital investment

Answer 8

• creates jobs
• mining towns e.g. Camburne suffered unemployment and out migration
• cheap deposits are easily extracted
• some mines can be used as tourist attractions

Question 9

technology

Answer 9

rapidly industrialising economies of China and Japan
no more handheld machinery
4m wide tunnels allow more to be exported

Question 10

benefits of revival of South Crofty tin mine now owend by Western united mines

Answer 10

• created 250 jobs

- stimulated demand for new mining machinery provided by local businesses