Surface mining
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Surface mining, including strip mining, open-pit mining and mountaintop removal mining, is a broad category of mining in which soil and rock overlying the mineral deposit (the overburden) are removed, in contrast to underground mining, in which the overlying rock is left in place, and the mineral is removed through shafts or tunnels.
Surface mining began in the mid-16th century[2][dubious ] and is practiced throughout the world in the mining of many different minerals, although the majority of surface coal mining occurs in North America.[3] In North America, surface mining gained popularity throughout the 20th century, and surface mines now produce most of the coal mined in the United States.[4]
In most forms of surface mining, heavy equipment, such as earthmovers, first remove the overburden. Next, large machines, such as dragline excavators or bucket-wheel excavators, extract the mineral.
The pros of surface mining are that it has a lower financial cost and is a lot safer than underground mining because all mining operations take place above the surface. The cons are the hazards it presents to human health and the environment. Humans face a variety of health risks caused by mining such as different cardiovascular diseases, food, and water contamination. Habitat destruction, alongside air, noise, and water pollution, are all significant negative environmental impacts caused by the side effects of surface mining.
Types[]
There are five main types of surface mining as detailed below.
Strip mining[]
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Strip mining is the practice of mining a seam of mineral, by first removing a long strip of overlying soil and rock (the overburden); this activity is also referred to as overburden removal. It is most commonly used to mine coal and lignite (brown coal). Strip mining is only practical when the ore body to be excavated is relatively near the surface and/or is mostly horizontal.[5] This type of mining uses some of the largest machines on earth, including bucket-wheel excavators which can move as much as 12,000 cubic metres of earth per hour.
There are two forms of strip mining. The more common method is area stripping, which is used on fairly flat terrain, to extract deposits over a large area. As each long strip is excavated, the overburden is placed in the excavation produced by the previous strip.
Contour mining involves removing the overburden above the mineral seam near an outcrop in hilly terrain, where the mineral outcrop usually follows the contour of the land. Contour stripping is often followed by auger mining into the hillside, to remove more of the mineral. This method commonly leaves behind terraces in mountainsides.
Open-pit mining[]
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Open-pit mining refers to a method of extracting rock or minerals from the earth through their removal from an open pit or borrow. It is best suited for accessing mostly vertical deposits of minerals. Although open-pit mining is sometimes mistakenly referred to as "strip mining", the two methods are different (see above).
Mountaintop removal[]
Mountaintop removal mining (MTR) is a form of coal mining that mines coal seams beneath mountaintops by first removing the mountaintop overlying the coal seam. Explosives are used to break up the overburden (rock layers above the seam), which is then removed. The overburden is then dumped by haul trucks into fills in nearby hollows or valleys. MTR involves the mass restructuring of earth in order to reach coal seams as deep as 400 feet (120 m) below the surface. Mountaintop removal replaces the original steep landscape with a much flatter topography. Economic development attempts on reclaimed mine sites include prisons such the Big Sandy Federal Penitentiary in Martin County, Kentucky, small-town airports, golf courses such as Twisted Gun in Mingo County, West Virginia and Stonecrest Golf Course in Floyd County, Kentucky, as well as industrial scrubber sludge disposal sites, solid waste landfills, trailer parks, explosive manufacturers, and storage rental lockers.[6]
This method has been increasingly used in recent years in the Appalachian coal fields of West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee in the United States. The profound changes in topography and disturbance of pre-existing ecosystems have made mountaintop removal highly controversial.[7]
Advocates of mountaintop removal point out that once the areas are reclaimed as mandated by law, the technique provides premium flat land suitable for many uses in a region where flat land is rare. They also maintain that the new growth on reclaimed mountaintop mined areas is better able to support populations of game animals.[8]
Critics[who?] contend that mountaintop removal is a disastrous practice that benefits a small number of corporations at the expense of local communities and the environment. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) environmental impact statement finds that streams near valley fills sometimes may contain higher levels of minerals in the water and decreased aquatic biodiversity.[9] The statement also estimates that 724 miles (1,165 km) of Appalachian streams were buried by valley fills from 1985 to 2001.
Blasting at a mountaintop removal mine expels dust and fly-rock into the air, which can then disturb or settle onto private property nearby. This dust may contain sulfur compounds, which some claim corrode structures and tombstones and is a health hazard.[10]
Although MTR sites are required to be reclaimed after mining is complete, reclamation has traditionally focused on stabilizing rock and controlling erosion, but not always on reforesting the area.[11] Quick-growing, non-native grasses, planted to quickly provide vegetation on a site, compete with tree seedlings, and trees have difficulty establishing root systems in compacted backfill.[9] Consequently, biodiversity suffers in a region of the United States with numerous endemic species.[12] Erosion also increases, which can intensify flooding. In the eastern United States, the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative works to promote the use of trees in mining reclamation.[13]
Dredging[]
Dredging is a method for mining below the water table. It is mostly associated with gold mining. Small dredges often use suction to bring the mined material up from the bottom of a water body. Historical large-scale dredging operations often used a floating dredge; a barge-like vessel that scoops material up through a conveyor belt on the bow, filters out the desired component on board, and returns the unwanted material to the water via another conveyor belt on the stern. In gravel-filled river valleys with shallow water tables, a floating dredge can work its way through the loose sediment in a pond of its own making.
Highwall mining[]
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Highwall mining is another form of mining sometimes conducted to recover additional coal adjacent to a surface-mined area. The method evolved from auger mining but does not meet the definition of surface mining since it does not involve the removal of overburden to expose the coal seam.[14] CERB final report No. 2014-004 "Highwall Mining: Design Methodology, Safety, and Suitability" by Yi Luo characterizes it as a "relatively new semi-surface and semi-underground coal mining method that evolved from auger mining".[15] In highwall mining, the coal seam is penetrated by a continuous miner propelled by a hydraulic pushbeam transfer mechanism (PTM). A typical cycle includes sumping (launch-pushing forward) and shearing (raising and lowering the cutterhead boom to cut the entire height of the coal seam). As the coal recovery cycle continues, the cutterhead is progressively launched into the coal seam for 19.72 feet (6.01 m). Then, the PTM automatically inserts a 19.72-foot-long (6.01 m) rectangular pushbeam (screw-conveyor segment) into the center section of the machine between the Powerhead and the cutterhead. The pushbeam system can penetrate nearly 1,200 feet (370 m) (proven in 2015 till today)[citation needed] into the coal seam. One patented highwall mining system uses augers enclosed inside the pushbeam that prevent the mined coal from being contaminated by rock debris during the conveyance process. Using a video imaging and/or a gamma-ray sensor and/or other geo-radar systems like a coal-rock interface detection sensor (CID), the operator can see ahead projection of the seam-rock interface and guide the continuous miner's progress. Highwall mining can produce thousands of tons of coal in contour-strip operations with narrow benches, previously mined areas, trench mine applications, and steep-dip seams by utilizing a controlled water-inflow pump system and/or a gas (inert) venting system.
Recovery with tunneling shape of drives used by highwall miners is much better than round augering holes, but the mapping of areas that have been developed by a highwall miner are not mapped as rigorously as deep mined areas. Very little soil is displaced in contrast with mountaintop removal; however, it is comparatively more expensive to own and operate a highwall miner.
Mapping of the outcrop, as well as core hole data and samples taken during the bench-making process, are taken into account to best project the panels that the highwall miner will cut. Obstacles that could be potentially damaged by subsidence and the natural contour of the highwall mine are taken into account, and a surveyor points the highwall miner in a line (theoretical survey plot-line) mostly perpendicular to the highwall. parallel lines represent the drive cut into the mountain (up to 1,200 feet (370 m) deep (2015 records),[citation needed] without heading or corrective steering actuation on a navigation azimuth during mining results in missing a portion of the coal seam and is a potential danger of cutting in pillars from previous mined drives due to horizontal drift (roll) of the pushbeam-cuttermodule string. Recently[when?] highwall miners have penetrated more than 1,200 feet (370 m) (2015 ongoing records[citation needed] into the coal seam, and today's models are capable of going farther, with the support of gyro navigation and not limited anymore by the amount of cable stored on the machine. The maximum depth would be determined by the stress of further penetration and associated specific-power draw (torsion and tension in screw transporters string), but today's optimized screw-transporters conveying embodiments (called pushbeams) with visual product development and discrete element modeling (DEM) using flow simulation behavior software shows smart-drive extended penetrations are possible, even so under steep inclined angles from horizontal to more than 30 degree downhole. In case of significant steep mining the new mining method phrase should be "directional mining" (commonly used technologies as valuable synergy directional drilling and directional mining are categorized in "surface to in-seam" (SIS) techniques), dry or wet, dewatering is developed or cutting and dredging through screw transporters are proactive in developing a roadmap of the leading global highwall mining engineering company.[clarification needed]
Transport[]
Historically, moving materials out of surface mines was accomplished through manual labor, horse-drawn vehicles, and/or mining railways.
Current practices tend to use haul trucks on haul roads designed into the features of the mine.
Environmental and health issues[]
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To properly clean and restore a once operational surface mine requires a large sum of money and extensive remediation plans.[16] Some mining companies do not have the funds to properly clean up, therefore the environment is negatively affected. Federal governments have emplace multiple laws and regulations which mining companies have to strictly follow. In the United States, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 mandates reclamation of surface coal mines.[17] Reclamation for non-coal mines is regulated by state and local laws, which may vary widely. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and many more laws deal with the subject of surface mining.[17] In some cases, even with proper legislation in place for surface mining some negative human health and environmental impacts remain.
Human health[]
Health studies have been conducted on humans that work or live near surface mines and have found many negative health effects.[18] One particular effect on human health is particulate matter, such as particles of dust, metals, acid, and soil suspended in the air can be inhaled and lead to serious repercussions.[18] Once inhaled, they may decrease lung function, lung capacity, cardiovascular desires may arise and worse case, cancer. [19] Large exposed surface areas like strip, open-pit, mountaintop removal, and highwall mines contribute to extensive air pollution and suspended particulate matter. Miners that work in surface mines are at high direct risk for health complications, whereas local communities experience different effects. People who live near a surface mine can experience health effects such as cardiovascular problems, water contamination where metals or acid leach into the groundwater and contaminate agriculture.[20] Western Virginia has large surface mining productions such as mountaintop removal, which can lead to the contamination of water that communities at the base of the Appalachian mountains use.[21]
Governments such as the Canadian government have specific legislation to keep the miners, communities, and the environment safe. In Canada, the Environmental Code of Practice for Metal Mines (ECPMM), Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER), the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and many other laws and regulations have been implemented to help protect the health of the people.[22]
Environmental impact[]
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Surface mining can have a number of effects on the local environment, ranging from the negative to the positive. The negative effects involve soil, water, air, and noise pollution as well as landscape alteration and various other negatives.[23] The flip side is the positive ramification; with new technology and proper management, it has become easier to properly treat the local water supply and restore the local ecology which helps rebuild the environment.[23]
Each type of surface mining has its own environmental impact, as laid out below.
Strip mining - Once operations have ended, the tailings are placed back into the hole and covered up to make the site resemble the landscape before the mining operation. Topsoil may be placed over the tailing along with planting trees and other vegetation. Another reclamation method involves filling in the hole with water to create an artificial lake. Large tailing piles left behind may contain heavy metals which can leach out acids such as lead and copper and enter into water systems.[24]
Open-pit mining - One of the world's largest types of mine and the size of these operations leave behind massive landscape scars, destruction to environmental habitats, and substantial clean-up cost.[25] An open-pit mine can yield an enormous quantity of waste rock, sinkholes can form down the road, flooding and similar negative impacts as strip mining.[26]
Mountaintop removal mining - Involves the removal of whole mountaintops, the waste rock of which is used to flatten out the surrounding land by infilling rivers and valleys. This is very destructive as it physically permanently alters the landscape and the associated ecosystem. Throughout the Appalachians in states such as Kentucky and Virginia, mountaintop removal is a common mining method where whole forests are cleared and the area becomes vulnerable to possible landslides, with restoration sometimes being too difficult/costly.[27]
Dredging - A form of surface mining where the environmental impacts are primarily found underwater. The method of extracting material from the seafloor or any water body leads to the harmful risk of marine life. Overall, the effect are far less compared to the other mining methods. The influx of sediment can bury flora and fauna, change water levels and can alter the oxygen content.[28] Water and noise pollution is a concern that must be monitored because marine life is very sensitive and vulnerable to drastic and harmful changes within their ecosystem.[29]
Highwall mining - Has a lower environmental impact than mountaintop removal because of the smaller external surface area present but there is still negative side effects.[30] Air and noise pollution from blasting are common environmental effects along with the large tailing piles, which can leach into waterways and numerous ecosystems.[31]
See also[]
- Shaft mining
- Hobet Coal Mine
References[]
- ^ Wolfgang Derek Maier, Raimo Lahtinen & Hugh O'Brien: Mineral Deposits of Finland. Elsevier, 2015. ISBN 978-0124104389.
- ^ Montrie, Chad (2003). To Save the Land and People: A History of Opposition to Surface Coal Mining in Appalachia. United States: The University of North Carolina Press. pp. 17. ISBN 0-8078-2765-7.
- ^ "Where Is Coal Found?". World Coal Association. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
- ^ Coal production by state and mine type 2013-2014, US Energy Information Administration, accessed 4 July 2016.
- ^ Cole, C. Andrew (1999), "Surface mining, strip mining, quarries", Environmental Geology, Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, pp. 586–587, doi:10.1007/1-4020-4494-1_318, ISBN 978-1-4020-4494-6, retrieved 2021-02-07
- ^ "Gallery". Kentucky Coal. Archived from the original on 2008-12-30. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
- ^ Davis, Charles E.; Duffy, Robert J. (2009-10-01). "King Coal vs. Reclamation: Federal Regulation of Mountaintop Removal Mining in Appalachia". Administration & Society. 41 (6): 674–692. doi:10.1177/0095399709341029. ISSN 0095-3997.
- ^ Gardner, J.S. & Sainato, P. (March 2007). "Mountaintop mining and sustainable development in Appalachia". Mining Engineering. pp. 48–55.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Mountaintop Mining/Valley Fills in Appalachia: Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement". U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. October 25, 2005. Retrieved August 20, 2006.
- ^ Jessica Tzerman (August 3, 2006). "Blast Rites". Grist. Retrieved September 4, 2006.
- ^ "Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative Forest Reclamation Advisory" (PDF). Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation. Retrieved July 11, 2007.
- ^ "Biology: Plants, Animals, & Habitats – We live in a hot spot of biodiversity". Apalachicola Region Resources on the Web. Retrieved September 18, 2006.
- ^ "Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative". arri.osmre.gov. Retrieved September 5, 2006.
- ^ Fan, Ming (2015-01-01). "Design Programs for Highwall Mining Operations". Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. doi:10.33915/etd.5572.
- ^ Luo (September 2014). "Highwall Mining: Design Methodology, Safety, and Suitability". Cite journal requires
|journal=
(help) - ^ Beckett, Caitlynn; Keeling, Arn (2019-03-04). "Rethinking remediation: mine reclamation, environmental justice, and relations of care". Local Environment. 24 (3): 216–230. doi:10.1080/13549839.2018.1557127. ISSN 1354-9839.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "What are environmental regulations on mining activities?". American Geosciences Institute. 2014-11-11. Retrieved 2021-02-18.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Hendryx, Michael (2015-12-01). "The public health impacts of surface coal mining". The Extractive Industries and Society. 2 (4): 820–826. doi:10.1016/j.exis.2015.08.006. ISSN 2214-790X.
- ^ Patra, Aditya Kumar; Gautam, Sneha; Kumar, Prashant (2016-04-01). "Emissions and human health impact of particulate matter from surface mining operation—A review". Environmental Technology & Innovation. 5: 233–249. doi:10.1016/j.eti.2016.04.002. ISSN 2352-1864.
- ^ Sardar, Kamran (August 2013). "Heavy Metals Contamination and what are the Impacts on Living Organisms" (PDF). Greener Journal of Environmental Management and Public Safety. 2: 172–179 – via researchgate.
- ^ Chambers, Douglas (November 19, 2012). "Groundwater Quality in West Virginia, 1993–2008". Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5186. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
- ^ Canada, Environment and Climate Change (2011-09-08). "Sources of pollution: mining". aem. Retrieved 2021-02-23.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Haddaway, Neal R.; Cooke, Steven J.; Lesser, Pamela; Macura, Biljana; Nilsson, Annika E.; Taylor, Jessica J.; Raito, Kaisa (2019-02-21). "Evidence of the impacts of metal mining and the effectiveness of mining mitigation measures on social–ecological systems in Arctic and boreal regions: a systematic map protocol". Environmental Evidence. 8 (1): 9. doi:10.1186/s13750-019-0152-8. ISSN 2047-2382.
- ^ Cito, Nick (August 2000). "ABANDONED MINE SITE CHARACTERIZATION and CLEANUP HANDBOOK" (PDF). EPA. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
- ^ Chen, Jianping; Li, Ke; Chang, Kuo-Jen; Sofia, Giulia; Tarolli, Paolo (2015-10-01). "Open-pit mining geomorphic feature characterisation". International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation. 42: 76–86. doi:10.1016/j.jag.2015.05.001. ISSN 0303-2434.
- ^ "Open Pit Mining Disadvantages | Mineral Production Activities | Extractives Hub". extractiveshub.org. Retrieved 2021-02-18.
- ^ Palmer, M. A.; Bernhardt, E. S.; Schlesinger, W. H.; Eshleman, K. N.; Foufoula-Georgiou, E.; Hendryx, M. S.; Lemly, A. D.; Likens, G. E.; Loucks, O. L.; Power, M. E.; White, P. S. (2010-01-08). "Mountaintop Mining Consequences". Science. 327 (5962): 148–149. doi:10.1126/science.1180543. ISSN 0036-8075. PMID 20056876.
- ^ Manap, Norpadzlihatun; Voulvoulis, Nikolaos (2016-11-20). "Data analysis for environmental impact of dredging". Journal of Cleaner Production. 137: 394–404. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.07.109. hdl:10044/1/59157. ISSN 0959-6526.
- ^ Tiwary, R. K. (2001-11-01). "Environmental Impact of Coal Mining on Water Regime and Its Management". Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. 132 (1): 185–199. doi:10.1023/A:1012083519667. ISSN 1573-2932.
- ^ Fan, Ming (2015-01-01). "Design Programs for Highwall Mining Operations". Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. doi:10.33915/etd.5572.
- ^ Porathus, John (2017). Highwall Mining: Applicability, Design & Safety. CRC press. ISBN 9780367889326.
External links[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Surface mining. |
- "Why Surface Mine?", an argument in favor of surface mining, by an executive of International Coal Group
- Surface mining
- Environmental impact of mining
- Pollution