Results for tag: "Surface Mining"

Surface Mining is a form of mining in which the soil and rock covering the mineral deposit are removed. It is the most common mining method worldwide and is used to extract coal, oil shale, gemstones, limestone, chalk, dimension stone, rock salt, potash, gravel, and clay. Surface Mining is often preferred to underground mining as it is less expensive and can recover more of the resource. It is also safer and can be used in areas where underground mining is not possible. Surface Mining is used to extract resources from shallow deposits, such as coal, oil shale, and tar sands. It is also used to extract resources from deeper deposits, such as copper, gold, and iron ore. The process involves the removal of the overburden, which is the soil and rock covering the mineral deposit, and then the extraction of the mineral deposit. The overburden is then replaced and the land is restored to its original condition. Some companies in the Surface Mining market include BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Anglo American, Glencore, and Vale. Show Less Read more