Difference between revisions of "Surface mine"
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(Plagiarized word-for-word from http://www.eia.doe.gov/glossary/glossary_s.htm - I don't have time to fix it.) |
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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]] | ||
Revision as of 21:59, October 17, 2008
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.
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.
In recent time 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.