Mining

Mineral

A naturally occurring substance with a specific chemical composition.

Ore

A rock containing valuable metals or minerals.

Strip Mining

Removing surface layers of soil to access minerals beneath.

Subsurface Mining

Mining done underground to reach deep minerals.

Acid Mine Drainage

Pollution from acidic water after mining.

Bauxite

The main ore of aluminum.

Overburden

Layers of rock and soil above a mineral deposit.

Quarries

Open pits for extracting rocks like stone or gravel.

Reclamation

Restoring land after mining or damage.

Open Pit Mining

Large, surface mining method with a deep, wide pit.

Estimated Reserve

Estimated amount of a mineral, based on surveys.

Proven Reserve

Confirmed amount of a mineral, ready for extraction.

Smelting

Heating ores to extract metals.

Tailings/Tailings Pond

Waste materials left after mining, stored in ponds.

Slag

Waste byproduct from metal smelting.

1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

U.S. law regulating mining and land restoration.

Spoils/Spoil Bank

Waste material removed during mining.