We know that mining is an essential element of many industries and necessary for our everyday lives, but what are the main methods of mining? There are four main types of mining: surface mining, underground mining, placer mining, and in-situ mining.
Surface mining is used to extract mineral deposits that are close to the surface. This type of mining is typically used for more shallow and less valuable deposits. Common surface mining methods include open-pit mining, strip mining, and quarrying.
Underground mining is used to reach deeper mineral deposits. This type of mining is more expensive and dangerous, but it allows miners to access high-value minerals that are impossible to mine using surface methods. Common underground mining methods include room and pillar mining, cut and fill mining, block caving, and longwall mining.
Placer mining is used to sift out valuable metals from sediments in river channels, beach sands, or other environments. This type of mining is typically used for more shallow and less valuable deposits.
In-situ mining, which is primarily used in mining uranium, involves dissolving the mineral resource in place and then processing it at the surface without moving rock from the ground. This type of mining is used for high-value minerals that are difficult to mine using other methods.
These are the four main types of mining. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each is used for different purposes. Surface mining is the most common type of mining, and underground mining is used for deeper deposits. Placer mining is used to sift out valuable metals, and in-situ mining is used for high-value minerals that are difficult to mine using other methods.
Check back for more information on mining methods, as well as news and updates on the mining industry.
This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at Becker/SMC. For nearly a half a century, Becker Mining has been at the forefront of safety, producing the best E Houses in the industry. Becker/SMC is the industry’s leader in increasingly more sophisticated electrical control systems. Most of the major innovations, design features and specialized electrical components have been developed by Becker/SMC.
