The Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) of the U. S. Department of Energy commissioned the National Research Council (NRC) to undertake a study on required technologies for the Mining Industries of the Future Program to complement information provided to the program by the National Mining Association. Subsequently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health also became a sponsor of this study, and the Statement of Task was expanded to include health and safety. The overall objectives of this study are: (a) to review available information on the U.S. mining industry; (b) to identify critical research and development needs related to the exploration, mining, and processing of coal, minerals, and metals; and (c) to examine the federal contribution to research and development in mining processes.

This book gives a brief history and a general overview of the state of surface mining technology with topics ranging from the principles to surface mining methods, systems, and pit planning design. It starts with the definition of surface mine and ends with land reclamation and mine closure. The following chapters address the basics of mineral economics, calculation of stripping ratio; exploitation of difficult parts of ore deposits, slope stability, controlling falls and slides in the surface mines, sorts of freight traffic, scrapers, bulldozers, and loaders. The book serves as a reference text for mining students, engineers, and geologists.