Which of the following is an advantage of surface mining over underground mining?

Surface mining offers several advantages over underground mining, and one of the primary benefits is that it is generally safer and more economical.

When it comes to safety, surface mining tends to have fewer hazards compared to the confined spaces and higher risks associated with underground mining. Workers in surface mines are more exposed to the open air and typically face a lower risk of occurrences such as cave-ins or gas explosions, which can be significant concerns in underground operations.

Economically, surface mining is often more cost-effective because it allows for the removal of larger quantities of materials in a shorter timeframe. The extraction process is typically less labor-intensive and requires less specialized equipment compared to underground mining, leading to lower operational costs. Additionally, surface mining can access minerals closer to the earth's surface efficiently without the complexity associated with deep underground operations.

While other methods of mining have their own distinct advantages, the combination of safety and cost-effective extraction techniques makes surface mining particularly advantageous in many situations.