Difference between Underground and Surface Mining

[ritika2015]

What is the difference between Underground and Surface Mining in terms of performance?

[John]

Apr 29, 2016 0:25:21 GMT -5 ritika2015 said:

What is the difference between Underground and Surface Mining in terms of performance?

I suppose it would depend on the mineral and production rates, at a rough guess. ie diamonds or gold at depths of 2000 plus metres would be hard to mine as an open cut, probably too expensive too, whereas coal at 50 metres would be profitable, but, environmental issues would have to be taken into account??? Too many variables to probably come to a short conclusion. But the two main variables are mineral, and production rates, which work out the same, "profit margin"??

I'm not sure if we have a mine planning engineer on board to answer your questions, I'm just a dumb electrician.

[ritika2015]

Yes, i am also not a master. partly satisfied with your answer. btw thanks.

[smshogun]

Its like anything else, its all down to cost.