Read the following statements regarding open-cast mining and choose the correct option: I. This is the cheapest way of m…
Read the following statements regarding open-cast mining and choose the correct option:
I. This is the cheapest way of mining.
II. The output is in large quantity.
III. It requires specially designed lifts, drills.
IV. It requires special ventilation system.
Only I and II are correct
Statement I is Correct: Open-cast mining (also known as surface mining) is generally the easiest and cheapest method of mining. It is used when minerals are located close to the earth's surface, eliminating the heavy costs associated with digging deep underground tunnels and maintaining complex safety infrastructure.
Statement II is Correct: Because the operations take place on the surface, massive earth-moving machinery (like draglines and large excavators) can be used. This allows for rapid extraction over a large area, resulting in a very large quantity of output.
Statement III is Incorrect: Specially designed lifts (cages or elevators) are a characteristic of shaft mining (underground mining). They are needed to transport miners and extracted minerals deep underground, not in open-surface pits.
Statement IV is Incorrect: Special ventilation systems are strictly required for underground mining to circulate fresh air and remove toxic or explosive gases (like methane). Open-cast mining happens out in the open air, so artificial ventilation is unnecessary.
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