What is Strip Mining?
Strip mining is a type of surface mining which involves the removal of a thin layer of material known as an “overburden” to access buried deposits of useful minerals. This type of mining is only effective in areas where mineral deposits are very close to the surface, making it feasible to quickly and easily remove the overburden to get to them. Classically, strip mining is used to mine tar sand and coal. This technique is also referred to as open cast, open cut, or stripping. In strip mining, the first step is the removal of trees, shrubs, and structures on the area to be mined, a process which is usually accomplished with heavy duty bulldozers. Next, holes are drilled for the placement of explosives, which will loosen the overburden so that it can be removed by earthmoving equipment. Some of the largest industrial equipment in the world is utilized in strip mining, with the overburden being piled next to the site or hauled away for disposal, depending on how the mine is being handled.
