Essay About Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a deep understanding of the properties of various minerals and use different rock types for different applications. Through direct observation and through trial and error, First Nations’ Australians recognized that igneous rocks such as basalt or volcanic greenstone, tend to be very hard minerals with high tensile strength which make them ideal materials for stone axes.  After identifying valuable rock types and their locations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples developed sophisticated extraction techniques for these important resources. The two most common of these techniques are quarrying and mining. Other recorded uses of sedimentary rocks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples include naturally occurring clay earth pigment ochre, which is a mixture of ferric oxide and varying amounts of clay and sand.Mining poses a variety of environmental risks, including potential impacts on ground and surface water quantity and quality, air quality, biodiversity, landscape stability and climate change. Australia’s mining sector has the skill, technology, and motivation necessary to manage and mitigate these risks. However, examples of significant environmental impact still occur and, irrespective of fault, these detract from the reputation of the industry. A 2014 study suggested that while the Australian public understands the importance of Australia’s mineral resources sector, its overall level of trust in the mining industry and its confidence in regulation is low.  Diamonds are made of pure carbon in a crystallised form, although they often contain inclusions of other minerals and are an excellent refractor of light. Diamonds are usually clear, although they have a range of colours, such as are pink, golden, or blue. Diamonds occur naturally but are extremely rare compared to other minerals. Diamond are believed to form 150 km to 200 km below the Earth's surface, where high temperatures (1050°C - 1200°C) and pressures (45 kilobars - 55 kilobars) allow it to crystallize. The diamonds are then be picked up by hot molten rock (magma) and transported upwards as the magma intrudes up into the Earth's crust.