Question

Read the following statements related to ‘surface mining’ carefully and choose the correct option:
i. It is the cheapest and the safest way of mining minerals.
ii. Its output is large and rapid.
iii. It is used to extract minerals from deeper part.
iv. It is also known as open cast mining.

• A. Only i, ii and iii are correct.
• B. Only i, iii and iv are correct.
• C. Only ii, iii and iv are correct.
• D. Only i, ii and iv are correct.

Hint:

Surface mining is ideal for minerals that are easily accessible from the surface, but it cannot reach deeper mineral deposits. Always pay attention to the terms like "open cast mining" for these techniques.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Surface mining, cost-effective and safer than underground methods, extracts minerals close to the earth's surface. Statement iii is incorrect as surface mining does not access deep-earth minerals; such extraction requires specialized deep mining techniques. Statement iv correctly identifies surface mining as commonly known as open cast mining.