What does the term "overburden" refer to?

The term "overburden" specifically refers to the layers of soil and rock that lie above a mineral deposit, such as coal, that must be removed to access that deposit. In coal mining, removing the overburden is necessary to reach the coal seams located beneath these layers. This process is essential for both surface mining and in some cases for underground mining where surface access is required.

Understanding overburden is crucial for miners and those involved in coal extraction because it involves significant costs, environmental considerations, and logistical planning. The effective management and removal of overburden can influence the efficiency of the mining operation and the potential for future reclamation of the mining site once extraction has occurred.