What is Open Cast Mines

What is Open Cast Mines

Open Cast or Open pit mines- Open Cast or open Pit mining is a method of mining in which first removal of overburden is done and there  after layers of ore or mineral to be excavated.

Open Cast Mines

Condition- for shallow or limited depth

Mode of Entry -

1.Single entry
2.Double entry
3.Spiral entry

Read Full post on Types of Entry in Opencast mines

Major equipment-

Dragline, Shavel, Bucket Wheel Excavator, Surface Miner, Front End Loader, Excavator, Dumper, etc

Advantages of Opencast Mining-

1.Percentage of extraction is high compare to U/g mining.
2.High mechanization is possible.
3.Production can be regulate as per requirement.
4.Working is safe compare to Underground mining.
5.No need to left Ore or Coal as a support purpose.
6.Gestation period is low.
7.No any danger of subsidence.
8.No any danger of roof fall.
9.Woman can be employed in open cast mines.
10.Natural ventilation is available.
11. No need of artificial lighting in Day time.

Disadvantages of Opencast Mining-

Disadvantages of Opencast Mining-
1.Work is affected by the weather.
2.It is limited for higher depth.
3.Cost of explosives are high.
4.Open cast mines blasting induced ground vibration is high.
5.Cost of mechanization is high
6.The soil and agriculture land are destroyed in open cast mines.
7. Deforestation  of large area.
8.It is limited by Stripping Ratio.
9.Fly rock problem is high in open cast mining.
10.Cost of machineries is high.

Read also What is mining and its classification