What mining method removes layers of overburden to access deposits near the surface?

• A. Drift
• B. Open pit
• C. Shaft
• D. Geochemical testing

Answer: (B)

Open pit mining is used when ore lies close to the surface. In this approach, the top layers of soil and rock—the overburden—are removed to expose the ore. The extraction proceeds in steps or benches, gradually deepening the pit as the ore is exposed and then mined. This method is economical for near-surface, wide, relatively uniform deposits because large-scale earthmoving equipment can remove material quickly and move ore to processing facilities.

Think of the other options in context: drift and shaft mining are underground methods, used when ore is deeper and requires tunneling or vertical access; geochemical testing is a way to locate or characterize ore, not a mining method for extraction.