What is defined as a mining technique where ore is extracted and the void is filled with waste material?

The mining technique where ore is extracted and the void is filled with waste material is known as cut and fill. This method is particularly beneficial in steep or irregularly shaped ore deposits and allows for the selective mining of ore.

In cut and fill mining, the process starts with the excavation of a section of ore, creating a void. Once a specific portion of ore is removed, waste material—often called backfill—is used to fill the empty space. This backfill can help support the surrounding rock, minimize surface subsidence, and allow continued access to adjacent ore bodies.

This method is advantageous for maintaining stability in underground operations and mitigating environmental impacts associated with more disruptive mining practices. Overall, cut and fill is effective in controlling the geometry of the mine and safely managing the mined-out areas.

In contrast, options such as open pit mining, strip mining, and room and pillar involve different techniques and principles that do not specifically focus on the filling of voids with waste material after extraction. Open pit mining is characterized by removing large amounts of overburden to access ore from the surface, strip mining generally involves the removal of surface layers in horizontal strips, and room and pillar relies on leaving pillars of ore to support the roof of the mine without