Answer:
The answer is Overburden.
Step-by-step explanation:
The waste material that is cleared away during surface mining in order to access a mineral deposit is called Overburden. It refers to the layer of soil, rock, vegetation, and other materials that lie on top of a mineral deposit and must be removed to gain access to the valuable resources beneath it. The overburden is usually stripped away and then stored in piles nearby, to be used for reclamation or for further mining operations. It is a significant environmental issue as it can alter the landscape, affect wildlife habitat, and potentially contaminate nearby water sources.