Abstract

Open pit mining includes quarries used to produce limestone, sandstone, marble, and granite; pits used to produce sand, gravel, and bentonite; and large excavations used to produce talc, copper, gold, iron, silver, and other metals. This mining method is distinguished by having one large pit or numerous small pits across the landscape. State or federal governments establish regulations that require the operator to restore the land to an approved land use that is equal to or better than the premine land use. The approved postmine land use is instrumental in determining the final graded topography and vegetation community.