A mining technique in which the land and vegetation covering the mineral intended for mining are stripped away by huge machines, usually damaging the land severely and limiting subsequent uses. Strip mining also damages the area around the mine.  The rock, gravel, trees, vegetation, and dirt are dumped in areas around the mine.  When it rains, this runs over the land and into streams and rivers.  The rain pushes the mine dirt on top of the area topsoil and buries it.  The streams end up being blocked and rivers flood.  Water is contaminated by the flooding.