What distinguishes surface mining from other mining methods?

Surface mining is distinctly characterized by the removal of overburden to access mineral deposits located closer to the earth's surface. This method involves stripping away the soil and rock layers that lie above the resource, which allows for direct access to minerals without the need for extensive underground drilling and tunneling.

This approach is particularly effective for extracting resources like coal, ore, and other minerals that are situated relatively near the surface. The removal of overburden not only enables efficient access to these deposits but also allows for a higher rate of production compared to underground mining, which often requires complex infrastructure and greater safety considerations due to the risks associated with working below ground.

In contrast, other mining methods such as sub-surface excavation target deeper, buried resources and necessitate different techniques and equipment to safely access those minerals. Therefore, the hallmark of surface mining is its reliance on overburden removal, which differentiates it clearly from methods that involve drilling deeper into the earth.