What does the presence of overburden indicate in a mining site?

The presence of overburden in a mining site primarily indicates the existence of valuable minerals below the surface. Overburden is the layer of soil and rock that must be removed to access the underlying mineral deposits. In many mining operations, especially in surface mining techniques such as strip mining, the thickness and composition of the overburden is a significant factor in determining the feasibility and cost of extracting the minerals underneath. Identifying and analyzing the overburden allows mining engineers to estimate the potential yield and make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the extraction process. Thus, overburden serves as an indicator of the geological conditions and mineral resources that may be available, guiding the exploration and development phases of mining operations.