| − | A '''Surface mine''' is a [[coal]]-producing [[mine]] that is usually within a few hundred [[feet]] of the surface. [[Earth]] above or around the coal (overburden) is removed to expose the coal bed, which is then mined with surface excavation equipment, such as drag lines, power shovels, bulldozers, loaders, and augers. It may also be known as an area, contour, open-pit, strip, or auger mine. | + | A '''Surface mine''' is a [[mine]] that is usually within a few hundred [[feet]] of the surface. [[Earth]] above or around the coal (overburden) is removed to expose the coal bed, which is then mined with surface excavation equipment, such as drag lines, [[power shovel]]s, [[bulldozers]], loaders, and [[auger]]s. It may also be known as an area, contour, open-pit, strip, or auger mine. |