1.

In mining, a bench refers to a level or terrace cut into the side of an open-pit mine for the purpose
of mining ore.

ii.overburden refers to the material that lies above the ore deposit, which must be removed in order
to reach and extract the ore.

iii.Waste refers to any material that is not ore and has no economic value,

iv. ore is a mineral or rock containing a valuable substance that can be mined and processed for
profit

question 2

When choosing a surface mining method, there are several factors that must be considered to
ensure the most effective and efficient operation. Here are five key factors that are typically taken
into account:

1. Ore body characteristics: The characteristics of the ore body, such as its depth, shape, size, and
grade, will influence the selection of the surface mining method. Different methods are more
suitable for different types of ore bodies, so it is important to match the mining method with the
specific characteristics of the deposit.

2. Geology and rock mechanics: Understanding the geology and rock mechanics of the site is
essential for selecting the most appropriate surface mining method. Factors such as rock strength,
stability, and fragmentation properties will impact the feasibility and success of the mining
operation.

3. Equipment and technology: The availability and capabilities of the necessary equipment and
technology play a crucial role in determining which surface mining method is most suitable. Factors
such as equipment cost, productivity, efficiency, and safety must be taken into consideration when
making this decision.

4. Environmental and social considerations: Surface mining operations can have significant
environmental and social impacts, so it is important to consider factors such as land use, water
quality, biodiversity, and community concerns when selecting a mining method. Minimizing the
environmental footprint and addressing social issues are important considerations in the decision-
making process.

5. Economic factors: Ultimately, the economic viability of the surface mining operation is a key
factor in choosing the mining method. Factors such as production costs, commodity prices, market
demand,
Strip mining is a surface mining method used to extract valuable minerals from near-surface
deposits, typically coal, limestone, phosphate, or other industrial materials. Here are the key
characteristics of strip mining:

1. Process: In strip mining, a long strip or series of parallel strips are excavated sequentially along the
surface of the earth to extract the mineral deposits. The overlying material (overburden) is removed
first to expose the mineral seam, which is then mined and processed.

2. Equipment: Strip mining requires heavy equipment such as draglines, bulldozers, shovels, and
trucks to remove the overburden and extract the mineral deposit. These equipment pieces are
typically very large and powerful to handle the large volumes of materials involved in strip mining
operations.

3. Environmental impact: Strip mining can have significant environmental impacts due to the large-
scale removal of topsoil, vegetation, and overburden. The disruption of ecosystems, loss of habitat,
soil erosion, water pollution, and air pollution are some of the environmental concerns associated
with strip mining.

4. Reclamation: After the mining operation is completed in a particular strip, the land is reclaimed by
restoring topsoil, replanting vegetation, and reshaping the land to its original contours. Reclamation
efforts are important to mitigate the environmental impact of strip mining and restore the land for
future use.

5. Efficiency: Strip mining is often more efficient and cost-effective than other mining methods for
extracting large, near-surface mineral deposits. The continuous extraction process along the strip
allows for high production rates and lower operational costs.

6. Safety concerns: Strip mining operations can pose safety risks to workers due to the use of heavy
equipment, mass movement of materials, and potential hazards associated with working in open
pits. Proper safety measures and regulations are crucial to ensure the well-being of workers in strip
mining operations.

7. Types of strip mining: There are different types of strip mining methods, including contour strip
mining, area strip mining, and mountaintop removal mining. Each method has specific characteristics
and is chosen based on the geological and environmental conditions of the site.

8. Regulations: Strip mining is subject to regulations and oversight by government agencies to

ensure that environmental, safety, and reclamation standards are met. Compliance with regulations
is an important aspect of strip mining operations to minimize negative impacts on the environment
and surrounding communities.

Surface mining operations can be hazardous environments due to a variety of factors. Here are five
common hazards found in surface mining:

1. Slope stability: One of the primary hazards in surface mining is slope stability, especially in open-
pit mines. Highwalls and benches created during mining operations can be prone to collapses,
landslides, or rockfalls, posing a significant risk to workers and equipment. Proper slope monitoring,
stabilization measures, and safety protocols are essential to mitigate this hazard.

2. Vehicle collisions: Surface mining operations involve the use of heavy equipment such as trucks,
bulldozers, excavators, and haulage vehicles. The presence of multiple vehicles operating in close
proximity can increase the risk of collisions, particularly at intersections, blind spots, or during
backing up maneuvers. Proper traffic management, signaling systems, and training programs are
crucial to prevent vehicle-related accidents.

3. Falling objects: The movement of materials, equipment, and overburden in surface mining
operations can result in falling objects or debris, posing a hazard to workers on the ground.
Implementing proper storage and handling procedures, securing loads, and using personal
protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats are important measures to reduce the risk of injury
from falling objects.

4. Noise and vibration: Surface mining activities can generate high levels of noise and vibration,
especially from heavy equipment, blasting operations, and crushing processes. Prolonged exposure
to excessive noise levels can lead to hearing loss, while vibration can cause discomfort, fatigue, and
potential musculoskeletal disorders among workers. Implementing noise control measures,
providing ear protection, and conducting regular monitoring of noise and vibration levels are
essential to protect worker health.

5. Dust and airborne contaminants: Dust and airborne contaminants are common hazards in surface
mining operations, particularly during drilling, blasting, crushing, and material handling activities.
Inhalation of dust particles and harmful chemicals can lead to respiratory problems, lung diseases,
and other health issues for workers. Implementing dust suppression measures, using proper
ventilation systems, providing respiratory protection, and conducting regular air quality monitoring
are critical to minimize exposure to dust and contaminants in surface mining environments.

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6.Excavation Machinery in Open Pit Mines:

1. Excavators: Excavators are essential equipment in open-pit mining for excavation

purposes. These machines have a bucket attached to a hydraulic arm that can dig and
remove large amounts of soil, rock, or ore from the mine site efficiently.
2. Draglines: Draglines are massive machines used for excavation in open-pit mining.
They consist of a large bucket attached to a long boom that can be lowered and
dragged along the ground to scoop up materials. Draglines are particularly useful for
removing overburden in large-scale mining operations.

Loading Machinery in Open Pit Mines:

1. Front-end Loaders: Front-end loaders, also known as wheel loaders, are commonly
used in open-pit mines for loading extracted materials onto haul trucks. These
versatile machines have a bucket at the front that can scoop up and transport various
types of materials within the mine site.
2. Shovels: Shovels, especially electric rope shovels, play a crucial role in loading
operations in open-pit mines. These powerful machines use a dipper or bucket
attached to a boom to excavate and load materials into haul trucks efficiently.

Hauling Machinery in Open Pit Mines:

1. Haul Trucks: Haul trucks are heavy-duty vehicles designed to transport large
quantities of materials within open-pit mines. These trucks come in various sizes and
capacities, with some models capable of carrying hundreds of tons of ore or waste
material from the mining area to the processing plant or waste dump.
2. Belt Conveyors: Belt conveyors are used for efficient material transportation over
long distances within open-pit mines. They consist of a continuous loop of conveyor
belts that move materials from one point to another, such as from the excavation site
to the processing facility or stockpile.
Stages of Mining until Development:

1. Exploration: The first stage involves identifying the presence of mineral deposits in a specific
area. This can include geological surveys, geophysical studies, and drilling to determine the
extent and quality of the ore body.

2. Resource Estimation: Once the presence of mineral deposits is confirmed, resource

estimation is conducted to assess the quantity and quality of the ore. This stage involves
sampling, testing, and data analysis to determine the economic viability of mining the
deposit.

3. Feasibility Study: A feasibility study is conducted to evaluate the technical and economic
feasibility of mining the ore body. This includes detailed engineering studies, cost analysis,
environmental impact assessments, and market studies.

4. Permitting: Obtaining necessary permits and approvals from regulatory authorities is crucial
before commencing mining operations. This stage involves addressing environmental
concerns, community consultations, and compliance with regulations.

5. Mine Planning: Detailed mine planning is essential to optimize the extraction of minerals
while ensuring safety and efficiency. This includes designing mine layouts, infrastructure
development, waste management plans, and scheduling operations.

6. Development: The final stage before actual mining operations begin involves preparing the
site for extraction. This can include constructing access roads, installing equipment,
establishing facilities for workers, and setting up necessary infrastructure for ore processing.

Recommended Mining Method:

Open-Pit Mining

References: Yahoo Answers, Baidu Zhidao, Google Scholar