In environmental science, the term refers to the material that lies above a commercially valuable deposit, such as ore or coal. This layer typically consists of soil, rock, and other surface materials that must be removed during surface mining operations before the desired resource can be accessed. For instance, in a coal mining operation, the strata of earth and rock covering a coal seam constitutes this layer.
Understanding the characteristics and volume of this material is crucial for effective mine planning and environmental management. The removal and management of this layer has significant environmental implications, including habitat disruption, soil erosion, and water pollution. Historically, inadequate management of this extracted layer has led to severe environmental damage, prompting the development of regulations and best practices for its responsible handling.
