Mining is the process of extracting valuable minerals or other geological materials from the Earth.

Open-pit mining is a surface mining method in which a large open pit is excavated to extract the desired minerals.

Stripping is the process of removing overburden, or waste rock, to expose the desired mineral deposit.

Room-and-pillar mining is an underground mining method in which rooms are excavated, leaving pillars of ore to support the roof.

Beneficiation is the process of separating valuable minerals from waste rock.

Flotation is a beneficiation method in which valuable minerals are separated from waste rock by attaching them to air bubbles and floating them to the surface.

Smelting is the process of extracting metals from their ores by heating them to a high temperature.

Blast furnace is a smelting method in which iron ore is heated with coke and limestone to produce pig iron.

Refining is the process of purifying metals to remove impurities.

Electrolytic refining is a refining method in which the impure metal is dissolved in an electrolyte and an electric current is passed through the solution, causing the pure metal to deposit on the cathode.

Extraction is the process of extracting minerals from a liquid solution.

Solvent extraction is an extraction method in which the desired mineral is dissolved in a solvent and then separated from the solution.

Mining activities can cause a variety of environmental impacts, including pollution, deforestation, and erosion.

All of the above are examples of safety measures used in mining.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration is the government agency responsible for regulating mining activities.