Draglines are mainly used in large-scale open-pit mining to remove overburden and expose minerals. Commonly employed in coal mining, they are also effective for bulk minerals like lignite, copper, and coltan, efficiently clearing large volumes of waste rock to reach underlying ore deposits(Admin, 2020).
Draglines excel at moving loose materials like soil, gravel, and waste rock, making them ideal for deep, wide open-pit excavations. They speed up extraction and cut costs by reducing the need for hauling equipment and lowering fuel consumption(Dragline Excavators: Unleashing the Titans of the Mining Industry – Resource Erectors, n.d.).
The dragline is the undisputed king of overburden removal, but what essential mineral is it most famous for mining? Share your insights!
Reference:
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Admin. (2020, May 17). Draglines 101: How They Do It. https://miningdigital.com/digital-mining/draglines-101-how-they-do-it
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Dragline Excavators: Unleashing the Titans of the Mining Industry—Resource Erectors. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2025, from https://resource-erectors.com/dragline-excavators-unleashing-the-titans-of-the-mining-industry/



