Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller particles due to exposure to natural elements like wind, water, and temperature changes.

Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, rich in organic matter, nutrients, and microorganisms, making it the most fertile layer for plant growth.

Mining is the process of extracting valuable minerals or other geological materials from the Earth, typically involving digging, drilling, or blasting.

Underground mining involves extracting minerals from beneath the Earth's surface, typically through tunnels, shafts, or boreholes.

Overburden removal is the process of removing soil and rock that lie above a mineral deposit to expose it for extraction.

Open-pit mining involves digging a large open pit to extract minerals near the Earth's surface.

Beneficiation is the process of separating valuable minerals from the surrounding rock or soil to increase their concentration.

Strip mining involves removing thin layers of soil and rock from the Earth's surface to extract minerals.

Smelting is the process of extracting metals from their ores by heating them to high temperatures, causing the metal to separate from the other elements.

Hydraulic mining involves using high-pressure water jets to break down and move soil and rock to extract minerals.

Refining is the process of purifying metals by removing impurities to improve their quality and properties.

Dredging involves using a suction device to extract minerals from the Earth's surface, typically from underwater or riverbeds.

Electrolysis is the process of extracting metals from their ores using an electric current, causing the metal to separate from the other elements.

Panning is a simple method of extracting minerals from the Earth's surface by swirling a pan filled with soil and water to separate the heavier minerals from the lighter materials.

Hydrometallurgy is the process of extracting metals from their ores using chemical reactions in aqueous solutions.