How Are Rocks and Minerals Different?

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Metal Reactivity and Extraction Methods

An established presence in Guyana resource extraction, Barry Kevin O‘Rourke directs S.A.B. Mining and identifies deposits of precious minerals and metals. A particular focus for Barry Kevin O‘Rourke is sourcing gold, which continues to be one of the most sought after rare metals in the world today.

When it comes to extracting metals, a key factor is the metal's reactivity, which determines the its stability within the ore surrounding it. As a general rule, oxides of extremely reactive metals like aluminum form stable compounds. This increases the energy required in the extraction process, which is electrolysis. By contrast, less reactive metals like iron or zinc contain oxides and other compounds that are not as stable. Thus, a less energy intensive process such as reduction by carbon monoxide or carbon can be used.

At the extremely low end of the reactivity spectrum are copper, silver, gold, and platinum, with the latter being the least reactive of the major metals. These types of metals can be extracted through the relatively straightforward use of chemical reactions.

Guyana’s Varied Wild Cat Species

Barry Kevin O‘Rourke is a Guyana-based mining executive who seeks out precious metals and diamonds in jungle tracts. Passionate about the scenic beauty of the country he works in, Kevin O‘Rourke has a strong affinity for the sights and sounds of the rainforest, including its myriad wildlife species.

Among Guyana’s apex predators are six species of wild cat, including the national animal, the jaguar. Known as the pouss in the local dialect, jaguars are well camouflaged, with coats dotted with rosettes that blend in with many types of vegetation. With short powerful legs and incredibly strong jaws, the jaguar is able to climb, crawl, and swim after prey. A smaller relative, also with spots, the ocelot is less stocky and grows to about twice the size of a domestic cat. Tending to stay hidden within dense vegetation, they may venture out into open terrain when hunting at night.

The Guyanese puma is a type of mountain lion and tends to inhabit rugged mountainous terrain, as well as pastureland. The jaguarundi, known locally as eyra, features an elongated body and long tail, and is active during daylight hours, as it searches out small rodents, reptiles, and birds. The margay, or tree ocelot, is indigenous to Central and South America and one of the smaller wild cat species, while the threatened oncilla, or tigrillo (tiger cat), is even smaller and found almost exclusively in Guyana.