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Glite Dictionary
opencast

opencast

7.0
A mine where people remove rock from the surface instead of underground
  • adjective
  • /ˈəʊpənˌkɑːst/
  • UK
translation icon : a cielo abierto
  • Most of the area's coal extraction takes place in opencast sites rather than underground shafts.

Examples

  • Environmental groups are concerned about the impact of opencast mines on the landscape.

  • The opencast mine has changed the landscape dramatically.

  • The construction company specializes in opencast mining methods.

  • Many opencast mines are located in Australia.

  • Environmental groups are concerned about the impact of opencast mines on the landscape.

  • Most of the area's coal extraction takes place in opencast sites rather than underground shafts.

  • The construction company specializes in opencast mining methods.

Synonyms

opencut
vsopencast
  • Australian
7.8

A mine people dig from the surface, not underground

is the same in meaning but uses an alternate form of the word

Antonyms

underground
327 3.0

Beneath the surface of the ground, under soil or rock

Compounds

opencast mining
  • UK
5.7

A way of taking minerals like coal from a large open pit in the ground

Surface Forms

opencast positive

Morphology

opencast = open + cast (semi-transparent) = open + cast

The compound is analyzable as 'open' + 'cast', but 'cast' meaning 'a mine or pit' is specialized and not transparent to average learners.

Etymology

Opencast combines open and cast, where open means 'not closed' and cast here means 'to throw out' or remove earth. So an opencast mine is one dug from the surface, an 'open-pit' mine instead of one worked underground.