Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
to surface-mine

to surface-mine

7.4
To remove the top layer of ground to get minerals like coal
  • phrasal verb
  • /ˈsɜrfɪs maɪn/
translation icon : minar a cielo abierto
  • They decided to surface-mine instead of using traditional underground methods for better safety.

Examples

  • By choosing to surface-mine, they could access the ore deposits more quickly and cost-effectively.

  • Notification could also include subdivision plat applications, surface-mining operations, and any other activity that might be detrimental to water quality—a process already taking place in Whatcom County.

    Academic text (2003)

  • The company plans to surface-mine the area to extract valuable minerals efficiently.

Synonyms

to mine
vsto surface-mine
  • Specialized
21 4.0

To take metals or minerals from the ground by digging

is focused on removing the top layer instead of digging deep
to strip-mine
vsto surface-mine
  • Specialized
1 7.2

Remove the top layers of soil to get minerals using large machines

is the general process of removing the top layer for ore
to surface mine
vsto surface-mine
  • Specialized
1 6.0

To remove earth and rock from the ground to get coal or other minerals

is the hyphenated form used in writing
to strip mine
vsto surface-mine
  • Specialized
6.6

To remove large areas of earth and rock to get minerals near the surface

is a broader method term rather than this specific technique

Surface Forms

surface-mine infinitive
surface-mined past
surface-mined past participle
surface-mining present participle
surface-mines third person singular

Morphology

surface-mine = surface + mine (transparent) = surface + mine

Clear compound of the noun 'surface' and the verb 'mine' meaning to mine at the surface, which learners can derive from the parts.

Etymology

Surface-mine comes from the parts surface ('top of the ground') and mine ('dig for minerals'). It means to take minerals by removing the top layer of earth instead of digging underground, so think 'mining at the surface' to remember it.