strip-mine

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strip-mine • v. [tr.] obtain (ore or coal) by open-pit mining: lignite coal is strip-mined at depths of 45 to 100 feet | [as n.] (strip-mining) protected lands opened up to strip-mining for coal. ∎  subject (an area of land) to open-pit mining.• n. (strip mine) a mine worked by this method.