Surface mining

Siilinjärvi mine

Coal mine Wyoming

Bagger-garzweiler

Tagebau Garzweiler Panorama 2005

Chino copper mine

File:MountaintopRemoval.jpg

MountaintopRemoval

Surface mining is a method of mining used to extract minerals and ores which are near the surface of the Earth. Unlike underground mining, surface mining involves the removal of soil and bedrock that covers the mineral deposit. This method is commonly used for extracting coal, phosphate, sand, gravel, and other materials that are either too shallow for underground methods or where the overburden is relatively thin and can be removed economically. Surface mining operations are characterized by the use of large equipment such as draglines, shovels, and trucks to remove overburden and extract the desired materials.

Types of Surface Mining

Surface mining can be classified into several types based on the specific techniques and equipment used:

• Open-pit mining: This is a method where a large hole or pit is dug in the ground to extract minerals like copper, gold, and iron. It is the most common form of surface mining and is used when mineral deposits are located close to the surface.

• Strip mining: Predominantly used for extracting coal, strip mining involves stripping away strips of soil and rock to reveal mineral seams. The process is repeated in a series of parallel strips until the area has been fully mined.

• Mountaintop removal mining: This method involves removing the summit or summit ridge of a mountain to expose coal seams. It is most commonly used in the Appalachian Mountains in the United States. The environmental impact of mountaintop removal mining is significant, leading to habitat destruction and water pollution.

• Placer mining: Placer mining is used to extract valuable minerals from sediments in river channels, beach sands, or other environments. The process involves washing sediment in water, allowing the denser minerals to settle to the bottom.

• Quarrying: This method involves the extraction of stone, sand, gravel, and other materials from open pits. Quarries are typically smaller than other types of surface mines and are used for building materials.

Environmental Impact

Surface mining has a significant impact on the environment. The removal of vegetation and soil for mining operations can lead to soil erosion, loss of habitat for wildlife, and pollution of air and water resources. The creation of large open pits and waste piles can also permanently alter the landscape. Regulations and reclamation efforts aim to mitigate these impacts by restoring mined areas to their natural state or repurposing them for other uses.

Regulation and Reclamation

In many countries, surface mining operations are subject to strict environmental regulations. These regulations may require companies to conduct environmental impact assessments before mining begins, use pollution control technologies, and reclaim mined lands after operations are complete. Reclamation can include the reshaping of land, replacement of topsoil, and replanting of vegetation to restore the area to its natural or economically usable state.

Conclusion

Surface mining plays a crucial role in extracting essential minerals and materials for the global economy. However, its environmental impact necessitates careful management and regulation to ensure that mining practices are sustainable and that mined lands are successfully reclaimed. As technology advances, new methods and practices are being developed to reduce the environmental footprint of surface mining and improve the efficiency of mineral extraction.