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Strip mining

Definition

Strip mining is a method of extracting minerals or resources from the Earth's surface by removing layers of soil and rock. It involves the removal of large amounts of overburden (topsoil and vegetation) to access the desired mineral deposits.

Analogy

Imagine strip mining as peeling off layers of an onion to get to the juicy center. In this case, the layers represent the soil and rock that are removed, while the juicy center represents the valuable mineral deposits.

Related terms

Mining waste: This refers to any material left over after extracting minerals from ore. It includes both solid waste (such as rocks and tailings) and liquid waste (such as wastewater from processing plants).

Tailings: Tailings are a type of mining waste that consist of finely ground rock particles, chemicals, and water. They are typically stored in large ponds or impoundments after being separated from valuable minerals during ore processing.

Overburden: Overburden refers to the layer(s) of soil, rock, vegetation, or other materials that lie above a mineral deposit. It must be removed during strip mining operations before accessing the desired minerals.