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Welcome to the collection of images dedicated to open pits — unique objects that are large excavations in the earth formed as a result of mining minerals. These colossal spaces often astonish with their scale and geological diversity. Open pits can vary in depth and width, becoming homes to extensive ecosystems, which, depending on the exact mining technology employed, may consist of solid seams of minerals such as coal, clay, limestone, or even precious metals.

You will find photographs of open pits showcasing their physical characteristics: steep walls, often featuring distinctly layered rock formations, and powerful ridges rising to the horizon. These pits are often surrounded by expanses of nature — forests, rivers, and hills, creating a contrast between the industrial landscape and the wilderness. Seasonal changes add beautiful details: during winter, open pits are covered with snow, while in summer they are infused with green shades of vegetation breaking through the cracks in the stone walls.

Each open pit has its characteristic geomorphological features. Smooth platforms, where extraction occurred, neighbor sharp cliffs and embankments formed during the transportation of materials. Capturing in photographs the workings of pit machines, the erection of stacked constructions, and the movement of vehicles can be done at any time of the day, as sunlight refracts through the dust, creating a striking visual backdrop.

These images can serve as excellent illustrations for studying geology, ecology, and industry. Open pits are not just places for resource extraction, but also true laboratories of nature and humanity, where their interests intersect, creating a unique landscape architecture.

open pit

Aerial View of an Open-Cast Mine