Abstract: An improved system and method for relocating a selected layer of overburden, such as a layer of unconsolidated soil, in a strip mining operation are provided. The system employs an excavator, an intermediate belt wagon with at least two slewable conveyors, and a cross-pit conveyor having a long cantilevered conveyor pivotably supported on a mobile base; with all of said equipment being preferably based on the highwall side of the pit. According to the method, the area to be stripped is divided first into a series of large rectangles aligned parallel to the pit, with each rectangle being further divided into a series of narrow strips also parallel to the pit. The area is then progressively stripped beginning with the nearest strip of a first rectangle and proceeding with the next adjacent strip until the first rectangle is completed and then proceeding in like manner with each successive rectangle.

Abstract: An improved cross-pit conveyor is provided for transferring excavated topsoils from the working side across the pit to the reclamation side in a strip mining operation. The machine includes a base to be positioned on the working side, a slewable upper frame mounted on the base, a long cantilevered conveyor pivotably supported at one end by the upper frame and reaching across the pit, and a separate on-board auxiliary conveyor for initially receiving the excavated material and feeding it smoothly onto the cantilevered conveyor. The receiving end of the auxiliary conveyor is pivotably connected to the back of the upper frame, and the discharging end is floatingly supported on the receiving end of the main conveyor to maintain a constant cooperative association therewith regardless of the hoist angle of the main conveyor.