This landmark publication distills the collective knowledge of the surface mining industry's most astute and discerning professionals. There are an extraordinary number of sectors that must be harnessed and understood before any surface operation can become a viable and profi table enterprise.

Most of the world's natural resources are mined from open-sky, surface operations. If the mining world is to continue to provide the building blocks that global development demands, surface mining must be conducted in a smarter and more sustainable way, with fewer people and under greater scrutiny than in the past to match the expectations of a skeptical public, environmental custodians, and host communities, aswell as the legislative and fi nancial entities that allow mining to continue. The SME Surface Mining Handbook captures the essence of efficient, safe, and effective surface mining, thus inspiring and informing current and future generations of mining professionals.

The SME Surface Mining Handbook describes the major methodologies involved in the surface extraction of ores, highlights the direction of change, and examines and communicates the developments within the sector. It explores the varied work being undertaken by individuals, academia, companies, equipment manufacturers, and specialist organizations in overcoming the myriad challenges that face today's surface mining industry.