strip-mine

American  

[strip-mahyn] / ˈstrɪpˌmaɪn /

verb (used with or without object)

strip-mined, strip-mining

1. to excavate by open-cut methods.

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strip mine Scientific  

/ strĭp /

1. An open mine, especially a coal mine, whose seams or outcrops run close to ground level and are exposed by the removal of overlying soil and rock. Strip mining can extract coal covered by as much as 60 m (200 ft) of rock and soil. If the seams roll through hills instead of lying flat, a series of tiers or contours are used to extract the coal or ore. Strip mining has been criticized for being ecologically destructive and for causing pollution of water resources, as the removed soil and rock are often dumped in lower-lying areas. Mining operators are sometimes required to restore soil and vegetation and to clean up the mining site.

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Other Word Forms

• strip mine noun

Etymology

Origin of strip-mine

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

But if we are to experience a revival of the studia humanitatis—even as machine “intelligence” threatens to strip-mine the whole human archive—it will come through late-modern doubt and critique and from a new romanticism too.

From The Wall Street Journal

If making modern batteries requires us to strip-mine the ocean for ingredients, shouldn’t science assess in advance what toll that might take on an ecosystem we just found out about?

From Seattle Times

But it’s the crows and other creatures — including raccoons and skunks — that have caught people’s attention this season as the animals strip-mine yards and medians and parks in pursuit of tasty snacks.

From Seattle Times

The Steelers’ refusal to strip-mine the roster and start over is now paying off.

From New York Times

If Trump is re-elected, they’ll strip-mine Social Security, murder Medicare and shred the social safety net, and they won’t stop there.

From Salon