Lead Ores

Lead, a relatively soft, dense metal, also has many important uses on Arda. Lead solder is essential to adequately connect and integrate virtually every electronic circuit in existence. Essentially any device employing an electronic circuit will require lead solder, which melts very easily, flows over a connection, and hardens quickly. Due to solid lead’s metallic bonds which although strong, are non-directional and leave lead with many free valence electrons. These free electrons are mobilized in lead to conduct an electric current. Lead Acid batteries are also essential sources of energy in many mobile electronic devices. As a safety note, when collecting lead in the field, it is extremely bad for you if it is ingested or inhaled.

Galena PbS

Galena is found in the bedding of sedimentary rocks, in pegmatites, in limestone and dolomitic rocks as well as hydrothermal veins.

Chromium Ores

Chromium has properties that are some of the most complex of any element. Chromium ranges from chromium(-II) to chromium VI. Each oxidative state of chromium has vastly different properties. One of the most useful applications of chromium is in stainless steel (see alloys). Also, chromium can be applied in a thin layer to many surfaces on top of copper and nickel plating. As chromium is extremely stable, this provides an excellent protective coat.

Although its primary origin is ultra-mafic rocks such as peridotites, chromite is also found in metamorphic rocks such as serpentites

Chromite FeCr₂O₄

Chromite can be found in igneous rocks such like peridotite and serpentinite.

Zinc Ores

Zinc is used commonly in both batteries and in industrial coating. Zinc plating is used commony as an anti-corrosion measure (also known as galvanization). Galvanization has a wide variety of applications including nails, bolts, nuts, washers, ranging to larger metal shapes such as gutters on houses. Common alloys of Zinc include Brass (copper and zinc) and Bronze (copper, zinc, and tin).

Sphalerite mix of Zn, Fe, S

It is often found along with galena in similar hydrothermal veins or in limestone where replacement has occurred.

General Mining Methods

As a start, open pit mines in areas of deposits are the most effective method in the mining of nearly all of these ores. Open pit mines can be operated hydraulically, using water to separate rock, or by digging and blasting.

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