strip mine
Definition
Noun:
- An open-pit mine: A "strip mine" is a type of surface mine where layers of soil and rock (overburden) are removed to expose and extract mineral seams, such as coal, that lie near the earth's surface.
Verb:
- To extract by strip mining: To "strip mine" means to obtain ore or minerals by the method of strip mining, involving the removal of surface layers.
Examples
Noun:
- The environmental impact of the large strip mine was visible for miles.
- They proposed converting the area into a strip mine for lignite coal.
Verb:
- The company plans to strip mine the entire hillside for copper.
- This method is used to strip mine minerals that are located close to the surface.
Advanced Usage
- The term often carries a negative connotation related to environmental degradation.
- The decision to strip mine the ancient forest was met with widespread protest.
Variants and Related Words
- Strip mining (n): The process or industry of extracting minerals by strip mining.
- Strip mining alters the landscape dramatically.
- Open-pit mine (n): A synonym, though "open-pit" can sometimes refer to deeper excavations than "strip mine."
- Surface mining (n): A broader category that includes strip mining.
Synonyms
- Noun: Open-cast mine, surface mine.
- Verb: Surface-mine, open-cast.
Related Phrases
- Phrasal Verb: Not commonly used as a phrasal verb. The term itself functions as a compound verb.
Related Idioms
- No common idioms directly incorporate "strip mine." The term is primarily technical, though it is sometimes used metaphorically to describe severe exploitation.
- Critics accused the developer of trying to strip mine the neighborhood's historic character for profit.
Noun
-
an open mine (usually for coal) where the seams run close to the surface
Verb
-
extract (ore) from a strip-mine
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