Types Of Mining
By: Dylan Bryant and Chase Greenwood
Surface and Subsurface Mining
The Differences
The difference between surface and subsurface mining is surface mining is when the soil and minerals are removed. Subsurface mining is the removal of minerals ores from underneath the ground.
Surface - Strip Mining
This is the act of mining by taking off a long strip of soil and rock that lies on the surface. Strip mining can harm habitats and wildlife living in the area.
Surface - Open Pit Mining
Open pit mining is the act of mining by taking out rocks and minerals from an open pit. Open pit mining affects the environment by polluting it with radioactive toxins from the rocks.
Surface - Mountain top Removal
The act of mining when the top or summit of a mountain is mined. This effects the environment by harming ecosystems and killing other wildlife.
Subsurface - Slope Mining
The act of mining by building a downward slope to be able to access the stuff you want to mine. Slope mining destroys vegetation and top soil.
Subsurface - Drift Mining
The act of mining by building a horizontal path underground to access the items you want to mine. This type of mining also harms vegetation and top soil.
Subsurface - Shaft Mining
The act of mining buy building a nearly vertical tunnel to access the stuff needing to be mined. This type of mining has the same effects as slope and drift mining, so it kills vegetation and top soil.
Fracking
The process of mining or drilling down into Earth. Stuff like water and sand is put into rock at high pressure and temperature to help the gas flow out. Lots of harmful chemicals are used in fracking fluids which negatively affects the environment