Dear Martin,
I agree in part, but what about limestone? This material goes through quite a
few intense processes to become cement for example - let alone a few other
chemical products. Coal goes through less process from mine to end user than
most - floatation is used of course in some cases, but in many instances it
is crushed (when applicable) & sized only. Slate quarries when underground
have always been known as slate mines, but those who dig in same have always
been known as quarrymen! In my books - & I have spoken to various Inspectors
on this - they regard anything underground as a mine, and mine regs. apply.
Anything above ground - open-sky, open-cast, open-pit methods whatever you
chose to call it - is a form of quarrying, and in most if not all cases
quarry regs. apply, but, I have to say, the definitive of the term does vary
country to country! Kind Regards, Bernard
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