Question

Describe the types of mining. Write in 200 words.

Answer 1

There are four main mining methods: underground, open surface (pit), placer, and in-situ mining.

Underground mines are more expensive and are often used to reach deeper deposits.

Surface mines are typically used for more shallow and less valuable deposits.

Answer 2

"Mining:

The process by which mineral ores are extracted from the Earth is called mining. It is broadly classified into two types:

1) Surface mining

2) Underground mining

Surface Mining:

Ores which are exposed on the surface or that which are just beneath the surface are mined using surface mining. These ores are extracted by digging large open holes on the surface.

Strip mining is further subdivided into the following categories:

i) Strip mining

ii) Placer mining

iii) Mountain top mining

iv) Hydraulic mining

v) Dredging process

vi) Open pit mining

i) Strip mining

Coal and sedimentary rocks are mined using this process. The earth’s topmost surface layers are removed using heavy machinery in order to expose the ores.

ii) Placer mining

Alluvial deposit ores such as gold and gemstones are mined using this process.

iii) Mountaintop mining

In this type of mining, mountain tops are blown off using explosives in order to expose the ores beneath it.

iv) Hydraulic mining

This mining process involves the use of high pressure water jets to dislodge ores.

v) Dredging process

It refers to the extraction of ores from river and sea beds.

vi) Open pit mining

Large open holes are dug on the Earth’s surface in order to expose the ores.

Underground mining:

Ores deep under the Earth’s surface are extracted using underground mining techniques. It is categorized into five categories:

i) Slope mining

ii) Drift mining

iii) Hard rock mining

iv) Shaft mining

v) Borehole mining

i) Slope mining

In this type of mining, slopes are made on the ground in order to access the ores.

ii) Drift mining

Ores which are present on mountain slopes are mined using this process. Gravity plays a major role in extraction using this process.

iii) Hard rock mining

Deep tunnels are dug using drills and dynamites in order to access the ores such as tin, silver etc.

iv) Shaft mining

This is the deepest type of underground mining in which vertical passageways are dug to connect the mine holes.

v) Borehole mining

Deep holes are dug and high pressure water jets are used to extract ores such as gold.

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