1. Mining involves extracting valuable minerals and materials from the earth. Common methods are surface mining, which removes overburden, and underground mining using shafts or tunnels.
2. Surface mining techniques include placer mining for deposits close to the surface, strip mining which removes overburden, and mountaintop removal which levels entire mountains. Underground mining uses drifts, slopes, or shafts to access deep materials.
3. Mining has environmental impacts like deforestation, pollution from tailings, subsidence from underground mining, and dispersal of heavy metals and asbestos. It can also damage communities through land appropriation, health impacts, and social disruption.