Question

What is open cast mining?
A. Making a large pit
B.Blast and surface mining
C.Long wall mining
D.Tunneling

Answer 1

Hint: Open pit mining is the most common method used around the world for the extraction of minerals. It does not require making extensive tunnels.

Complete answer: Open cast mining is the process of making a large pit in the ground and extracting minerals. This technique is used in places where the minerale or the ore is close to the ground or near the surface of the earth. Open pits are called ‘quarries’ sometimes. There are several benefits of the open cast/open pit mining:
1. It is easy to produce for the mass
2.Small shut down expenses
3.A relatively small crew is required.
4.The drainage of subsurface water is easier.
5.Heavy bulk machinery is possible to use.
6.Capital and operating costs are low.
Materials that are commonly extracted by the process of open cast mining are: Coal,Bitumen,Iron,diamonds, gold, granite ,copper etc.A haulage road is dug near the pit which acts as a ramp for the ore carrying trucks to carry materials to and from the mining sites.After the completion of the extracting process the mine area is put under rehabilitation in order to do away with the environmental damage.This is a critical step which ensures that the land can be used in future.

Thus, Option A is correct.

Note: The place where the open pit had been dug is covered with soil and vegetation is planted.The area is fenced so that animals and livestocks do not eat the newly planted vegetation. The pit is prevented from access.