strip mine![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
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 ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Geologic stratum that covers the ore seam; it is of more recent formation than the ore.
trench ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Lengthwise excavation that is made down to the top of the ore layer in order to extract its coal.
bulldozer ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Excavation machine for pushing materials; it is made up of a crawler tractor, a blade and often a ripper.
face ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Part of the quarry that is being excavated and from which ore is progressively extracted.
overburden ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Part of the ground that covers the ore beds; it is removed to reach the deposit.
dump ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Pile that is made up of residue from mining operations.
conveyor ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
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 ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Movable materials-handling device that is fitted with an inclined conveyor belt; it is used mainly to raise loads.
mechanical shovel ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
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 ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
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.