Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of open cast strip mining and auger mining of thin seams of hydrocarbonaceous deposits. In this mining method, a first working pit is stripped to expose the deposit, the hydrocarbonaceous material extracted and the exposed deposit seam face of at least one highwall is auger mined. A second and successive working pits are opened parallel to but spaced apart from the preceding working pit by a predetermined distance thereby leaving an undisturbed overburden portion therebetween. In the second and successive working pits, the overburden is stripped and disposed in the void of its preceding pit, the hydrocarbonaceous material extracted and the hydrocarbonaceous material beneath the undisturbed overburden portion between adjacent working pits substantially removed by auger mining from one or both working pits. The stripping is accomplished by the use of a dragline and the width of the undisturbed overburden portion is related to the working radius of the dragline.