Mine mouth
nounPronunciation: /maɪn maʊθ/
The surface entrance or portal of an underground mine workings, including the immediate surrounding area where extracted material emerges. This term encompasses both the physical opening and the associated infrastructure for ore removal and worker access.
Plain English
The main opening where miners enter and ore exits from an underground mine.
Etymology & History
Usage
"The reclamation project stabilized the mine mouth to prevent collapse and erosion into surrounding wetlands."
Style guide notes: Use hyphen only when modifying a noun directly (mine-mouth stabilization).
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Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety considerations apply to mine mouth reclamation?
Safety involves securing unstable rock, installing barriers, and preventing unauthorized access to hazardous subsurface voids and shafts.
How does mine mouth restoration benefit the environment?
Restoration prevents erosion, eliminates dust sources, stabilizes slopes, and enables habitat restoration around the entrance area.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Mine mouth assessment is critical for baseline site characterization and prioritizing reclamation work phases.
Required skill level: Junior