noun
surface mining; open-pit mining; open-cut mining
Mining method where minerals are extracted from an open pit or surface excavation, as opposed to underground mining (坑内掘り).
See also: 坑内掘り
この地域では、石炭を露天掘りで採掘している。
In this region, coal is mined by open-pit mining.
露天掘りは坑内掘りよりコスト
Surface mining is often less costly than underground mining.
Underground mining; the opposite of 露天掘り, where extraction occurs below the surface.
Compound of 露天 (ろてん, 'open air') + 掘り (ぼり, 'digging'), literally 'open-air digging'.