Strip surface mining is a method used to extract resources, like coal, that are located close to the Earth's surface.
Based on the provided reference, strip mining is a technique specifically employed where coal seams are deposited very close to the surface and can be extracted simply by the removal of overburdened rocks and layers from the flat and hilly ground. It is a form of surface mining, which involves extracting minerals or geological materials from the surface rather than underground.
Understanding Strip Mining
This method is efficient for deposits lying relatively shallow beneath the surface. The process typically involves:
- Removing Overburden: Clearing trees, soil, and rock layers that cover the desired resource (this removed material is called "overburden").
- Extracting the Resource: Once the seam or deposit is exposed, it is mined using heavy machinery.
- Reclamation: Often, regulations require the land to be restored close to its original state after mining is complete, which involves replacing the overburden and topsoil and replanting vegetation.
Strip mining is often contrasted with other surface mining methods, such as open-pit mining, which is used for deeper deposits.
Strip Mining vs. Open-Pit Mining
| Feature | Strip Mining | Open-Pit Mining |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Depth | Very close to the surface | Deeper undersurface |
| Seam Orientation | Typically follows horizontal or gently dipping seams close to the surface. | Used for massive or disseminated deposits that describe a vertical level of the hole. |
| Terrain | Effective on flat and hilly ground following the contour of the deposit. | Creates a large, deep pit. |
| Overburden | Removed in strips to access the shallow seam. | Removed layer by layer to create the pit walls. |
(Information based on the provided reference)
Key Aspects
- Efficiency: Highly efficient for shallow, extensive deposits.
- Environmental Impact: Can have significant environmental impacts, including land disturbance, soil erosion, and water pollution, although modern practices often include strict reclamation requirements.
- Resource Type: Commonly used for coal, but can also be used for other shallow mineral deposits.
In essence, strip surface mining is the removal of overlying material in strips to access shallow resources, making it a specific type of surface mining tailored for near-surface deposits.
