6i. Step Three: Remove Topsoil and Subsoil

After water management is complete, the company removes topsoil and subsoil from the site. Topsoil is the fertile top layer of soil plants grow in and subsoil is the layer of soil directly underneath. Subsoil is less fertile, but can still grow plants. The company separates the two types of soil into piles.

A soil scientist analyzes the soil and tells the company how much to save. During mining inspections, an inspector will review soil data to ensure a company is storing proper soil resources for reclamation

When possible, a mining company will spread soil on recently mined land next to the active pit. This method is both economic and better for the environment because the soil still has plenty of organic matter to grow more plants. If that’s not possible, the soil is stockpiled and marked with identifying numbers for later reclamation.