The mining method selected is determined mainly by the characteristics of the mineral deposit and the limits imposed by safety, technology, environmental and economical concerns. Geological conditions, such as the dip, shape and strength of the ore and the surrounding rock, play a key role in selecting the method. There are mainly two ways of mining: surface or underground.
- Surface mining includes open pit and strip mining, and more seldom methods such as solution mining. Underground mining is often chosen when surface mining is no longer economically feasible as more waste is mined as the mine grows deeper.
- Underground mining allows for a more selective mining with less waste.