What does the term "surface mining" specifically refer to?

The term "surface mining" specifically refers to the process of extracting minerals from the earth's surface by removing the soil and rock that overlie a mineral deposit. This technique is widely used when deposits of minerals are found close to the surface, making it more practical and economical compared to underground mining methods.

In surface mining, operations involve the stripping away of layers of rock and soil (also known as overburden) to reach the valuable minerals underneath. This method can include practices such as open-pit mining, strip mining, and mountaintop removal, each tailored to different types of terrain and mineral deposits.

This definition emphasizes the interaction with the earth's surface and the specific focus on the removal of overburden to access minerals, distinguishing it clearly from other mining methods, such as underground mining, which involves excavating deep underground and is not characterized by the direct removal of surface layers.