Open-pit mining is a surface mining technique used to extract ore from the ground by digging a large pit. It primarily involves removing the material covering the ore to access the valuable deposits below.
The Open-Pit Mining Process
Based on the typical method, open-pit mining begins by accessing the ore body near the surface. This process unfolds through specific steps:
- Overburden Removal: The initial phase involves removing the soil and rock located on top of the desired ore. This overlying material is known as overburden.
- Method of Removal: The removal of this overburden is typically accomplished using methods such as drilling or blasting.
- Material Handling: The soil and rock that are removed during this initial stage are not discarded but are put aside. This material is saved specifically for future reclamation purposes, allowing the mined area to be restored later.
- Excavating in Benches: To access greater depths and follow the ore body downwards, the excavation is carried out in a structured manner. This involves creating a series of wide steps or terraces, commonly referred to as benches. These benches provide stable working platforms and haul roads within the pit.
By removing the overburden and excavating in benches, miners can progressively reach and extract the valuable ore that lies beneath the surface.
