Strip mining primarily affects surface vegetation and soil, leading to habitat destruction and soil degradation.

Strip mining is a type of surface mining that mainly affects the soil and vegetation on the surface by exposing mineral reserves by removing thick layers of earth. Significant soil erosion results from this process, which also kills plants and disturbs nearby ecosystems. When vegetation is removed, the land's capacity to hold water is diminished, and runoff is more likely to occur, which can introduce contaminants into adjacent water sources. Furthermore, it may become difficult to return the region to its natural form if the disturbed soil becomes infertile. After mining operations have stopped, the land must be restored and these environmental effects must be minimized through proper reclamation measures.