STRIP MINING

The major difference between strip mining and open pits and quarries is that the strip
mine tends to be developed promptly to its full depth and then progresses horizontally as
the resource is recovered. Thus, in the progression of mining, considerable land surface
is disturbed and large strip excavations result. These mined-out pits become ideal storage
locations for the spoil being generated in the adjacent mining area. The characteristics
have resulted in the current requirement that the mined-out pits be filled and returned to
approximate original contour. Thus the reclamation process in strip mining is much more
complex with several unit operations taking place simultaneously that directly impact on
each other from a cost, operation, and planning standpoint. These unit operations are (1)
backfilling, (2) leveling, (3) development of stable outside spoil areas, (4) topsoil handling,
and (5) seeding. A sixth, and continuing, operation is maintenance of reclaimed sites.