open-pit mines
Terraced earth wounds
Open-pit mines are large excavations dug into the earth's surface to extract minerals or ore, as opposed to underground tunnels.
The mining removes rock in terraced layers, creating a widening pit that can reach enormous depths: The open-pit mines of Chile produce much of the world's copper.
Also called open-cut or opencast mines.
- tailingsPost-extraction mineral waste
- blastingExplosive material removal
- quarryPit for extracting rock
- deep holeCavity extending far underground
- excavationAct of unearthing
minerals · rock · extraction · overburden · hauling · drilling · earthmoving · dust clouds · environmental impact · digging · waste management · draglines · heavy machinery · haul trucks · benches · deforestation · limestone quarries · granite quarries
- mininggold, coal, oil, shafts, silver
- Kimberley DiamondsKimberley, De Beers, diamond rush, kimberlite, diggers
- CopperbeltZambia, copper production, copper ore, cobalt, smelters