Mining (Hardrock) 1
Mining (Hardrock) 1 : Traditional hardrock mining usually involves digging tunnels and adits (horizontal entrances into hillsides) to reach lodes of mineral-rich ore. Traditional underground mining and open pit mining require that the ore-bearing rock be removed and then put through a milling and extraction plant to extract the desired minerals. After the ore body is exhausted, miners move on leaving behind huge mounds of finely-ground tailings and coarser waste rock, as well as an underground tunnel complex and/or open pit