What are the methods of mining?
Emma Johnson
Updated on February 28, 2026
There are four main mining methods: underground, open surface (pit), placer, and in-situ mining.
- Underground mines are more expensive and are often used to reach deeper deposits.
- Surface mines are typically used for more shallow and less valuable deposits.
What is underground mining technique?
Underground mining is used when the copper ore is not near the earth’s surface. Miners dig a shaft into the ore deposit vertically or a horizontal tunnel (or adit) in order to do this. Mining then follows the vein of ore and the underground mine develops.
What is mining what factors determine the methods of mining?
Factors influencing mining method selection
- Ore grade and recovery.
- Cost of infrastructure.
- Ore extraction.
- Labour and machine costs.
- Underground support costs.
- Geotechnical factors.
What are the 5 types of mining?
5 Different Types of Mining
- Strip Mining.
- Open Pit Mining.
- Mountaintop Removal.
- Dredging.
- Highwall Mining.
What are two methods of underground mining?
Underground methods are traditionally broken into three classes: unsupported, supported, and caving methods. These classes reflect the competency of the orebody and host rock more than anything else.
What are the 3 main factors that determine what type of mining method is chosen?
The location and shape of the deposit, strength of the rock, ore grade, mining costs, and current market price of the commodity are some of the determining factors for selecting which mining method to use.
What are the 4 types of surface mining?
There are 5 main types of surface mining, which are used in various degrees and for different resources. These mining categories are: strip mining, open-pit mining, mountaintop removal, dredging and high wall mining.