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.