What is the definition of "overburden" in the context of surface mining?

In the context of surface mining, "overburden" refers to the soil and rock layers that are removed to access the underlying minerals. This term is critically important in the mining process because before miners can reach the valuable minerals beneath the earth's surface, they must first excavate these upper layers. Understanding overburden is essential for planning mining operations, as it involves considerations of both environmental impact and the efficiency of mineral extraction. The management of overburden is also pivotal in the reclamation process once mining activities have ceased, ensuring that the land can be restored or repurposed. The other options touch on related topics but do not encapsulate the specific definition of overburden as it pertains to surface mining.