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Mining - MSN Encarta |
 | | Mines may recover loose, unconsolidated material, such as the sediments in a stream bed, or they may be sunk in solid rock, harder than any concrete. |
 | | Surface mining is the largest single sector of mining, being used for well over 60 per cent of all materials mined. |
 | | An open pit mine is usually, but not always, for metals, a strip mine is more often than not for coal, a quarry is normally for the recovery of industrial and construction materials, while a placer mine is usually for heavy metals and minerals—frequently gold, but also platinum, tin, and other heavy minerals. |
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