strip mine

Type of mining that is used especially for large shallow deposits; coal or ore is extracted by digging a trench in the ground surface.

roof

Geologic stratum that covers the ore seam; it is of more recent formation than the ore.

trench

Lengthwise excavation that is made down to the top of the ore layer in order to extract its coal.

bulldozer

Excavation machine for pushing materials; it is made up of a crawler tractor, a blade and often a ripper.

face

Part of the quarry that is being excavated and from which ore is progressively extracted.

overburden

Part of the ground that covers the ore beds; it is removed to reach the deposit.

dump

Pile that is made up of residue from mining operations.

conveyor

Materials-handling device that consists of a conveyor belt (sturdy belt on rollers) that is used to transport coal extracted from the mine.

belt loader

Movable materials-handling device that is fitted with an inclined conveyor belt; it is used mainly to raise loads.

mechanical shovel

Earthmover that consists of a movable cab with an articulated arm fitted with a bucket (scoop); it is used for digging and handling loads.

bucket wheel excavator

Earthmover that consists of a wheel fitted with buckets (scoops); it is used to dig into rock to extract materials, which are then dumped onto a conveyor.