Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: BTU Value • ROM Coal • Blast Design

Overburden

Term from Coal Mining industry explained for recruiters

Overburden refers to all the soil, rock, and other materials that lie above a coal seam and must be removed to access the valuable coal underneath. Think of it like peeling an orange - you need to remove the outer layer to get to the fruit inside. In mining job descriptions, this term frequently appears when discussing experience with removal, management, or handling of these materials. It's a crucial concept in surface mining (also called open-pit mining) because managing overburden effectively impacts both the safety and cost-effectiveness of mining operations.

Examples in Resumes

Managed overburden removal operations for a 500-acre mining site

Supervised team of 20 equipment operators in overburden handling and disposal

Optimized overburden storage methods resulting in 30% cost reduction

Typical job title: "Mining Engineers"

Also try searching for:

Surface Mining Engineer Mine Operations Manager Mining Supervisor Strip Mining Specialist Mine Planning Engineer Excavation Manager

Where to Find Mining Engineers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Industry Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop an overburden management strategy for a new mining site?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should cover initial site assessment, environmental considerations, cost analysis, equipment selection, and long-term storage planning. They should mention experience with large-scale projects and regulatory compliance.

Q: What factors do you consider when optimizing overburden removal costs?

Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss equipment efficiency, hauling distances, storage locations, environmental regulations, and workforce management. They should provide examples from past experience of successful cost reduction strategies.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What safety considerations are important when managing overburden removal?

Expected Answer: Should discuss slope stability, proper equipment operation, communication protocols, weather impacts, and worker safety procedures. Should demonstrate knowledge of safety regulations and incident prevention.

Q: Explain how you would handle environmental concerns in overburden storage.

Expected Answer: Should cover drainage management, erosion control, rehabilitation planning, and compliance with environmental regulations. Should show awareness of sustainable practices.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is overburden and why is it important in surface mining?

Expected Answer: Should explain that overburden is the material above coal seams that must be removed, and discuss its basic importance in mine planning and operations.

Q: What basic equipment is used in overburden removal?

Expected Answer: Should be able to identify common equipment like excavators, dump trucks, draglines, and explain their basic functions in overburden removal.