Definition

Noun: - A method of extracting minerals from the earth by removing surface layers: Opencast mining refers to the process of obtaining ore or coal from a large, open excavation or pit on the earth's surface, rather than from underground shafts or tunnels.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The company proposed a new opencast mining project in the valley.
  • Environmentalists are concerned about the impact of opencast mining on the landscape.
  • Opencast mining is often used when the mineral deposit is located close to the surface.

Advanced Usage

• "to conduct/open/operate an opencast mining operation": To carry out the activity of surface mining.
  • The firm was licensed to operate an opencast mining operation on the site.
• "opencast mining site/pit": The specific location where surface mining occurs.
  • The abandoned opencast mining pit has since filled with water.

Variants and Related Words

• Open-pit mining (noun): A synonym for opencast mining, commonly used in North America.
  • The copper was extracted via open-pit mining.
• Surface mining (noun): A broader term encompassing all mining methods that remove soil and rock to access mineral deposits near the surface, including opencast mining.
  • Surface mining techniques include strip mining and opencast mining.
• Quarrying (noun): The process of extracting stone, sand, or minerals from an open pit, similar in method but often for different materials.
  • The quarrying of limestone has shaped the local cliffs.

Synonyms

• Surface mining: Extracting minerals from shallow deposits.
• Strip mining: A type of surface mining where layers of soil and rock are stripped away to expose a mineral seam.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Opencast mine (noun): The physical open excavation itself.
  • The vast opencast mine was visible from miles away.
• Opencast coal mining (noun): The specific application of this method to extract coal.
  • The region's economy was historically dependent on opencast coal mining.

Noun

1. the mining of ore or coal from an open mine