strip mine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Environmental, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “strip mine” mean?
A mining operation where surface layers of soil and rock are removed to expose and extract valuable mineral deposits lying near the surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mining operation where surface layers of soil and rock are removed to expose and extract valuable mineral deposits lying near the surface.
The act of extracting resources in an extensive, often environmentally damaging, manner; used metaphorically to describe excessive exploitation of any resource.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is common in both varieties. In UK contexts, 'open-cast mine' is a more frequent synonym. In US contexts, 'strip mine' is the dominant term.
Connotations
Strongly negative environmental connotations in both varieties. The figurative use is slightly more common in American English.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to the prevalence of this mining method in regions like Appalachia and the Midwest.
Grammar
How to Use “strip mine” in a Sentence
[Noun] strip-mines [area] for [resource]The [company] strip-mined the [hills][Resource] is strip-mined in [region]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strip mine” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The planning application for the new open-cast coal mine was rejected by the council.
- The landscape was pockmarked with old strip mines.
American English
- The debate over the new coal strip mine divided the community.
- They toured the massive strip mine to see its scale firsthand.
verb
British English
- The company proposed to open-cast mine the entire hillside.
- The land had been strip-mined decades ago and never properly restored.
American English
- The corporation sought permits to strip-mine the mountain for coal.
- They've been strip mining this region for generations.
adjective
British English
- Strip-mining operations face stringent environmental regulations.
- The strip-mine site was a stark blot on the countryside.
American English
- Strip mine reclamation projects aim to restore the land.
- The strip-mine controversy was a major issue in the local election.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions of resource extraction, energy sector investments, and environmental liabilities.
Academic
Papers on environmental science, geology, economic geography, and resource management.
Everyday
News reports about mining controversies, environmental protests, or regional economic issues.
Technical
Engineering plans, environmental impact statements, and geological surveys.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “strip mine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “strip mine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strip mine”
- Using 'strip mine' to refer to any large mine. It specifically requires the removal of overburden in strips.
- Misspelling as 'strip mind'.
- Incorrect verb form: 'They strip mine the area' (better: 'They strip-mine the area' or 'They operate a strip mine').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is typically two words: 'strip mine'. As a verb, it is often hyphenated: 'to strip-mine'.
The removal of topsoil and vegetation (overburden) destroys ecosystems, causes erosion, and can lead to water pollution from acid mine drainage.
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically to describe aggressively extracting or depleting a non-physical resource, such as data, finances, or human talent.
Both are surface excavations. A 'quarry' typically extracts building materials like stone, gravel, or sand. A 'strip mine' targets layered, valuable mineral deposits (like coal or tar sands) that are uncovered by removing long strips of overlying material.
A mining operation where surface layers of soil and rock are removed to expose and extract valuable mineral deposits lying near the surface.
Strip mine is usually technical, environmental, figurative in register.
Strip mine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪp ˌmaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪp ˌmaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To strip-mine data”
- “To strip-mine a budget”
- “The strip-mining of talent”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a large strip of land being peeled back like a banana skin to 'mine' what's underneath.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESOURCES ARE A LAYERED OBJECT TO BE PEELED; EXPLOITATION IS STRIPPING.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is a British English synonym most closely associated with 'strip mine'?