What is pit mining?

Pit mining, also known as open-pit mining, is a surface mining technique used to extract rocks and minerals from the earth by removing them from an open pit or borrow. This method is commonly used when mineral deposits are found near the surface and spread over a large area, making underground mining impractical. The process involves digging a large hole, or pit, in the ground and gradually expanding it to access the ore. Pit mining is widely used for extracting resources such as gold, copper, iron, and coal. While it is efficient and cost-effective, it can have significant environmental impacts if not properly managed.