Surface mining

Surface Mining
Surface Mining is done to obtain gemstones from the rocks near to the surface of the land. There are six different types in which surface mining could be done.

Surface Mining
Mining that takes place when the stones can be found close to the surface. This type of mining entails little heavy equipment as only the soil and overlying mineral deposits are removed.

Mining techniques Surface mining:
Open-pit mining, Quarrying, Strip mining, Placer mining, Mountaintop removal mining
Sub-surface mining: ...

At present the mine employs surface mining techniques that are expected to carry on for 20 years. After that point it will be determined if it is feasible to continue the mining operation using underground "hard rock" mining.

See also: Water, Rock, Surface, Mineral, Stone