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| − | '''surface mine''' | + | '''surface mines''' are mines for material which is near the surface. There are two major types of surface mines,these are Contour mine and Open pit mine. |
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| | + | '''Contour mining''' is conducted on hillsides where layers of the desired material are accessible. The [[overburden]] (material on top) is removed and the wanted material mined, then the overburden material is replaced. |
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| | + | '''Open pit''' mining is simply the excavation of the overburden, and removal of the wanted material. The result is a large open pit. |
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| | + | In recent time the mining companies are required to replace excess materials and replant vegetation so little trace of the mining remains. |
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| | + | One material which is surface mined is coal. |
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| | + | ==References== |
| | + | * http://www.mine-engineer.com/mining/coal_surf_min.htm |
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| | [[category:energy]] | | [[category:energy]] |