What does "overburden" refer to in excavation?

Overburden refers specifically to the layer of soil and rock that sits above a mineral deposit. This term is commonly used in mining and geological contexts to describe the material that must be removed to access the minerals or resources beneath. Understanding this definition is crucial in excavation work, particularly when planning site operations, as it indicates which materials need to be handled or removed before reaching the underlying mineral or rock layers.

In the context of excavation, recognizing the significance of overburden informs construction practices, resource extraction, and environmental impact assessments. It's a critical factor in determining the costs and methods used during excavation and mining activities, which is why option B accurately captures its meaning.