This book introduces readers to what ores are, minerals that can be mined for profit. Learn about prospecting, exploration, aboveground and underground mining, extracting metals from ores, and the importance of protecting the environment. A geology-themed project provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. Other features include a table of contents, fun facts, infographics, sidebars, map, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.