COMPARISON OF
SURFACE MINING
METHOD
Presented By
Tulod, Carlo Adrian E.
SURFACE MINING METHOD
MECHANICAL AQUEOUS
MECHANICAL
EXTRACTION
Mechanical extraction in surface mining
involves breaking and removing ore
using mechanical means. This method
includes open-pit mining for near-
surface deposits, open-cast mining
(strip mining) for bedded deposits like
coal, quarrying for dimension stone, and
auger mining to recover additional coal
from highwalls. These techniques rely
on excavation, cutting, and hauling
rather than chemical or aqueous
processes.
OPEN PIT MINING
Open-pit mining is a surface mining technique used
for extracting near-surface ore deposits, primarily
metals and nonmetals. The process involves
removing overburden to expose the ore, followed by
excavation in successive benches to increase the
depth of the pit. This method is commonly used for
commodities such as iron and diamonds, ensuring
efficient resource extraction while managing waste
material through designated disposal areas.
OPEN CAST MINING
Open-cast mining, also known as strip mining, is
used for extracting bedded deposits, most
commonly coal. Unlike open-pit mining, the
overburden in open-cast mining is not hauled away
to waste dumps but is instead cast directly into the
adjacent mined-out cut. There are two sub-methods:
area mining, suited for relatively flat terrain, and
contour mining, ideal for mountainous regions. This
method is efficient for large-scale extraction of coal,
phosphate, and similar resources.
QUARRYING
Quarrying is a surface mining method used to
extract dimension stone, such as granite, marble,
and limestone, for architectural and construction
purposes. Unlike open-pit mining, which requires
benching to prevent slope failure, quarrying relies on
the high strength of the rock mass, allowing for
vertical walls that can exceed 1,000 feet. The goal is
to extract large, intact slabs that can be cut and
shaped for countertops, monuments, flooring, and
other applications.
AUGER MINING
Auger mining is a secondary mining method used to
recover additional coal from beneath the highwall of
an open-cast or contour mine after reaching the
economic stripping limit. It involves using a large,
drill-like auger to bore horizontally into the exposed
coal seam, extracting the material in a cost-effective
manner. This method maximizes resource recovery
while minimizing additional overburden removal,
making it an efficient technique for extending the
life of a surface mine.
AQUEOUS
METHOD
The aqueous method uses water or
chemical solvents to extract minerals from
ore deposits. It includes placer mining,
which recovers minerals from streambeds
or loose sediments, and solution mining,
which dissolves minerals in place for
extraction, commonly used for salt, potash,
uranium, and copper.
2 TYPES AQUEOUS
EXTRACTION
PLACER
SOLUTION
2 TYPES AQUEOUS
EXTRACTION
PLACER
Placer mining is the extraction of valuable minerals from
streambeds or unconsolidated surface deposits using water-based
methods. It can be done through open-pit excavation, hydraulic
mining with high-pressure water jets, or dredging in underwater
environments.
2 TYPES AQUEOUS
EXTRACTION
SOLUTION
Solution mining is a method that extracts soluble minerals by
injecting water or chemical solvents into underground deposits.
The dissolved minerals, such as salt, potash, uranium, or copper, are
then pumped to the surface for processing.
PLACER
HYDRAULIC
MINING
Hydraulic mining is a placer mining method that
uses high-pressure water jets to dislodge and
transport loosely consolidated deposits, such as gold-
bearing sediments. The water-washed material is
then processed through sluices or other gravity
separation methods to extract valuable minerals.
PLACER
DREDGING
Dredging in mining refers to the process of
excavating underwater mineral deposits, often in
riverbeds or seabeds, using specialized equipment
like hydraulic or mechanical dredges. This method is
commonly employed for extracting valuable
materials such as gold, diamonds, or aggregates,
with techniques like cutter suction dredging being
used for high-precision excavation in challenging
environment
(SOLUTION)
IN-SITU
In-situ refers to the extraction or processing of
mineral resources directly at their original location,
without removing the ore to the surface. This method
is commonly used in mining processes such as in-situ
leaching, where solvents are injected into the ore
body to dissolve minerals like copper or uranium,
which are then pumped to the surface for further
processing. In-situ mining is considered more
environmentally friendly and cost-effective than
traditional methods, as it reduces surface disruption
and waste production
(SOLUTION)
HEAP LEACHING
Heap leaching is a process used in mining to extract
valuable metals, such as gold, copper, or uranium,
from low-grade ore by applying a chemical solution,
typically cyanide or sulfuric acid, to the crushed ore
heaped in large piles. The solution percolates
through the ore, dissolving the targeted metal, which
is then collected through drainage systems at the
base of the heap. This method is favored for its
relatively low cost and ability to process large
quantities of ore, though it requires careful
management of chemicals and water to minimize
environmental impact.
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