This technique is used for near-surface, relatively flat sedimentary mineral deposits. How deeply the mining can occur is essentially determined by the combination of technological capabilities and the economics involved. The latter includes the current value of the mineral, contractual arrangements with the landowner, and mining costs, including reclamation. Strip mining is used for mining phosphate fertilizer in Florida, North Carolina, and Idaho, and for obtaining gypsum (mainly for wallboard) in western states.

However, the most common association of strip mining is with coal. The examples of decimated land in Appalachia have motivated calls for prevention, or at least major efforts at reclamation. Strip mining for coal comprises well over half of the land that is strip-mined, which totaled less that 0.3% of land in the United States between 1930 and 1990. This is far less land than the amount lost to agriculture and urbanization. However, in agriculturally rich...