Stripmining

Strip mining is a method of mining that involves removing the surface soil and rock (overburden) to expose buried mineral seams, usually coal. It is a form of surface mining distinct from underground mining, which extracts minerals from shafts. Strip mining is commonly used where ore or coal seams lie close to the surface and are relatively uniform in thickness. The principal variants are area mining (also called open-cut or open-pit strip mining) and contour mining, which follows the natural contours of hilly terrain. Mountaintop removal is a controversial form used in some regions to remove summit overburden to access underlying coal seams.

Process involves clearing vegetation, excavating overburden with heavy equipment, and extracting the target coal or ore. The overburden is often placed in adjacent spoil piles or disposed of in mined-out pits. After extraction, the site is regraded, backfilled where appropriate, topsoil is replaced, and vegetation is established to reclaim the land. Reclamation aims to restore landforms and promote ecological recovery, though the final landscape may differ from the original.

Environmental and social impacts are a central concern. Strip mining can cause immediate habitat loss, soil erosion, and sedimentation in waterways, as well as water-quality issues such as acid mine drainage. Dust, noise, and visual impacts can affect nearby communities. Long-term land disruption is possible if reclamation is incomplete. Mitigation measures include careful planning, controlled blasting, water management, proper backfilling, recontouring, and post-mining rehabilitation.

Regulation and economics: In many countries, strip mining is subject to environmental regulations and reclamation requirements. For example, the United States subjects operations to laws like the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, which imposes restoration obligations and financial assurances. Economically, strip mining can rapidly extract large volumes at lower cost per ton than underground methods but entails environmental and social costs that influence policy and public opinion.