what is strip mining

Strip mining is a type of surface mining where a layer or seam of soil, natural vegetation, and rocks (known as overburden) is removed to extract the mineral deposits underneath. The common strip-mining techniques are classified as area mining or contour mining. Area mining is appropriate for the extraction of near-surface, relatively flat-lying, and thin deposits of coal, phosphate, and similar minerals. Contour mining progresses in a narrow zone following the outcrop of a mineral seam in mountainous terrain. Strip mining presents many different problems, including the destruction of ecosystems through removal of vegetation and dumping into streams, such as problems with blasting damage and noise pollution, flooding, and irresponsible mining reclamation practices. Strip mining is most commonly used to mine coal and lignite and occurs predominantly in the Appalachian Mountains and adjacent areas.