historical mining practices

Historical mining practices involved extracting minerals from the earth using methods like surface mining, where layers of soil and rock were removed to reach deposits, and underground mining, which involved digging tunnels. Early techniques relied on manual labor and simple tools, often followed by the use of explosives to break up rock. The process usually prioritized efficiency over environmental impact, leading to landscape alteration, habitat disruption, and waste material. Over time, technological advances improved safety and efficiency, but historical practices often lacked environmental safeguards we have today.