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'''Surface mines''' are mines for material which is near the surface. There are two major types of surface mines; these are contour mines and open pit mines.

'''Surface mines''' are [[mines]] for [[material]] which is near the surface. There are two major types of surface mines; these are contour mines and open pit mines.

'''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.  

: '''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.  

'''Open pit''' mining is simply the excavation of the overburden, and removal of the wanted material. The result is a large open pit.  

: '''Open pit''' mining is simply the excavation of the overburden, and removal of the wanted material. The result is a large open pit.  

In recent times the mining companies are required to replace excess materials and replant vegetation so little trace of the mining remains.   

In recent times the mining companies are required to replace excess materials and replant vegetation so little trace of the mining remains.   

One material which is surface mined is coal.  

One material which is surface mined is [[coal]].  

==References==

==References==