SURFACE MINING Meaning and
Definition
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Surface mining refers to the extraction method employed to recover valuable mineral deposits or geological materials that are located near or at the earth's surface. This technique involves the removal of overlying layers of soil, rock, and vegetation to access the targeted resources. It is commonly utilized for mining minerals such as coal, gold, iron, limestone, and bauxite, among others.
The process of surface mining typically starts with the clearing of vegetation and topsoil from the designated area. This is followed by the use of heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and dump trucks to remove the overburden, which refers to the layers of earth above the mineral deposit. Once exposed, the mineral or material of interest is extracted using various methods, depending on its nature. These may include drilling, blasting, and the use of mining equipment such as draglines or shovels.
Surface mining offers several advantages over underground mining, such as the ability to access shallow deposits and the potential for higher production rates. However, it also poses various environmental and social challenges. The removal of vegetation, soil erosion, and the creation of large open pits can cause significant ecological disturbances. Furthermore, nearby communities may face noise, dust, and water pollution, as well as potential displacement due to the expansion of mining operations.
In summary, surface mining refers to the extraction of minerals or geological materials located near or at the earth's surface, involving the removal of overburden to access the desired resources.
Etymology of SURFACE MINING
The word "surface mining" is a compound word formed by combining the noun "surface" and the verb "mining".
The noun "surface" originated from the Latin word "sūrfaex" which means "the outer face, exterior, or uppermost part". It was later adopted into Middle English as "surfas" and eventually evolved into the modern English term "surface". The word is often used to refer to the outer layer or top part of something, such as the surface of the Earth or the surface of an object.
The verb "mining" traces its roots back to the Old French word "miner", which means "to dig, mine, or undermine". This Old French word was derived from the Latin term "minare", meaning "to drive (animals)" or "to lead or conduct".
