This book gives a brief history and a general overview of the state of surface mining technology with topics ranging from the principles to surface mining methods, systems, and pit planning design. It starts with the definition of surface mine and ends with land reclamation and mine closure. The following chapters address the basics of mineral economics, calculation of stripping ratio; exploitation of difficult parts of ore deposits, slope stability, controlling falls and slides in the surface mines, sorts of freight traffic, scrapers, bulldozers, and loaders. The book serves as a reference text for mining students, engineers, and geologists.

1.            Introduction to Mining

1.1.         Advancements in Mining Technology

1.2.         Introductory to Mining

1.2.1      Mineral

1.2.2      Rock

1.2.3      Metallic ores

1.2.4      Nonmetallic minerals (also known as industrial minerals)

1.3.         Surface Mine Terminology

1.4.         The Choice between Surface and Underground Mining

1.5.         Surface Mining

1.5.1.     Open Pit Mining

1.5.2.     Open cast mining

1.5.3.     Glory Holing

1.5.4.     Quarrying or Quarry Mining

1.5.5.     Strip Mining

1.5.6.     Auger Mining

1.5.7.     Placer Mining or Alluvial Mining

1.5.7.2. Hydraulic Mining

1.5.7.3. Dredging

1.5.7.4. In Situ Leaching

1.6.         Underground mining

1.7.         Preparation of Open pit Field for Mining

1.8.         Stages in the Life of a Mine

1.8.1.     Prospecting

1.8.2.     Exploration

1.8.3.     Development

1.8.4.     Exploitation

1.8.5.     Reclamation

1.9          Unit Operations of Mining

2              Principles of Surface Mining of Mineral Deposits

2.1.         Mine Layout

2.1.1.     The shape and depth of the deposit

2.1.2.     The properties of the ore and overburden

2.1.3.     The geometry of the excavating equipment (digging height, dumping height and reach).

2.2.         Types of Surface Mining Deposits

2.2.1.     As regards their shape

2.2.2.     The surface relief

2.2.3.     Depending on their position

2.2.4.     By the angle of inclination (dip)

2.2.5.     The Capacity or depth of deposits

2.2.6.     The quality of a mineral

2.2.7.     By the prevailing type of rock

2.3.         Kinds of Surface Mining

2.4.         Kinds and Sizes of Open-pit Fields

2.5.         Variations of Open Pit Mining

2.6.         Surface Mining Economics

2.6.1.     The Concept of Cut-off...