Surface Mining

Group 4
 What is Surface Mining?

 Surface mining, which includes strip mining,

open-pit mining, and mountaintop removal
mining, is a type of mining in which the soil and
rock overlying the mineral deposit are removed,
as opposed to underground mining, which leaves
the overlying rock in place and removes the
mineral through shafts or tunnels.
 What is Surface Mining?

 It is a type of mining in which the soil and rock overlying the

mineral deposit are removed, as opposed to underground
mining, which leaves the overlying rock in place and removes
the mineral through shafts or tunnels.
 Surface mining includes strip mining, open-pit mining, and
mountaintop removal mining.
Surface Mining Process

• topsoil removal and storage for

later use

• drilling and blasting the strata

overlying the coal seam
Surface Mining Process

• loading and transporting this

fragmented overburden material (called
spoil)
• Drilling and blasting the coal seam
Surface Mining Process

• Loading and transporting the coal

• Backfilling with spoil and grading

Surface Mining Process
• Spreading top soil over the graded
area
• Establishing vegetation and
ensuring control of soil erosion
and water quality
• Releasing the area for other
purposes