"Surface mining consists of removing the topsoil, rock and other strata that lie above mineral or solid fuel deposits to recover them. In practice, however, the process is considerably more complex. When compared with underground methods, surface mining offers distinct advantages. It makes possible the recovery of deposits which, for physical reasons, cannot be mined underground; provides safer working conditions; and, most significantly it is generally cheaper in terms of cost-per-unit of production. It is hoped that the following discussion on mining methods, reclamation practices, and environmental regulations of foreign countries will benefit the improvement of technology in a most important area, namely surface mining of coal, and bring about a better understanding of the problem."