open-pit mining
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open-pit mining
A form of mining in which raw materials such as coal or ores are extracted not underground, but at the earth's surface in a large, open pit.
Der riesige Schaufelradbagger arbeitet im Braunkohle-Tagebau.
The huge bucket-wheel excavator is working in the lignite open-pit mine.
The word consists of 'Tag' (day) and 'Bau' (construction/mining, in the sense of mining). It describes the extraction of raw materials at the earth's surface, that is, 'by day' in the light and not underground.
Der Tagebau hinterlässt oft riesige Gruben in der Landschaft.
Open-pit mining often leaves huge pits in the landscape.
'Tagebau' (open-pit mining) is often mentioned in connection with specific raw materials that are extracted this way. Especially common are 'Braunkohle-Tagebau' (lignite open-pit mining), 'Kies-Tagebau' (gravel open-pit mining), or 'Sand-Tagebau' (sand open-pit mining).
In der Lausitz gibt es große Braunkohle-Tagebaue.
There are large lignite open-pit mines in Lusatia.
The term is often associated with large machines such as bucket-wheel excavators and with discussions about environmental destruction and the energy transition.
Die Erweiterung des Tagebaus ist umweltpolitisch sehr umstritten.
The expansion of the open-pit mine is highly controversial from an environmental policy perspective.
quarry
Both Steinbruch and Tagebau refer to large open sites where raw materials are extracted at the earth’s surface. A Steinbruch mainly produces rock such as granite or sandstone, while Tagebau generally refers to the open-pit extraction of raw materials such as coal or ores. The decisive factor is therefore the material being extracted.
Im Tagebau wird Kohle in einer großen offenen Grube abgebaut.
Coal is mined in a large open pit there.
Im Steinbruch wird heller Granit für den Bau von Häusern abgebaut.
Light-colored granite is quarried there for building houses.
