Strip mining is a method of extracting minerals or coal from the earth's surface. This process involves removing layers of soil and rock, known as overburden, to access the resource beneath. It is commonly used for materials that are located close to the surface, making it more efficient than underground mining. Once the minerals are extracted, the overburden is often placed back into the pit, but this can lead to environmental issues. Strip mining can disrupt local ecosystems, cause soil erosion, and affect water quality in nearby streams and rivers, impacting wildlife and communities that rely on these resources.