Strip mining involves removing the top layer of soil, rock and vegetation from the area that is being mined (usually the coal). Huge machines like bucket-wheel tractors are used to dig out the soil, rock and vegetation that cover the mineral seam. The Open Pit Mining technique is the extraction of minerals or rock from earth using an open air pit. Quarries are often called open pits when producing building materials or dimension stone.
Mountaintop Removal Mining involves the use of explosives to blast the excess material above the mineable mineral. It is then moved into the valleys, and filled below. A more complex version of panning, dredging involves a scoop that lifts the material onto a conveyor richard william warke and then removes the gold.
In underground mining, valuable minerals are accessed by digging the ground. Many underground mining methods are used to extract hard minerals. These usually contain metals including ore of gold, copper, lead, zinc, nickel and iron. However, they can also be employed for gems like rubies, diamonds and other gemstones. A company’s ability to fund and plan to shut down the mine must be proven before it can get a mine permit.
The mining activity is temporary, and once the deposit has been exhausted it is necessary to find a different site. They must close the mine and renovate it first. Closure of mining operations and reclamation are the last steps. Companies must develop a mine closing plan before building, as the government needs assurances from the operator that they have both the plan and funds required to close the mining operation.
It is important to conduct detailed environmental studies as part of a mine closure plan. This will help determine how the site should be closed down and rehabbed. In addition, a comprehensive mine rehabilitation program will include the following: Abandoned mines can be dangerous. Many of them are invisible from outside. They may contain explosives or toxic chemicals. Deep water is also present. There could be spoils heaps. For mines to be safe for the general public, companies have to seal and close them completely.
The mining industry produces a large amount of waste from processes such as excavation, dressing of non-metallic and metalliferous minerals, and the further chemical and physical processing. This waste must be removed from mine sites both at the time of operation and when the mine is closed.
In order to reclaim mined land, it is necessary to reestablish soils and plants at the site. As an example, adding lime or any other material that neutralizes acidity and a topsoil cover to promote plant growth is a simple method. The soil will be stabilized and erosion prevented by planting vegetation and modifying the slopes.
Mining can affect a landscape for a very long time. To rehabilitate it, mine companies have to minimize environmental impacts during the mine’s life. They also need to mitigate mining effects from the initial discovery phase to its closure.