Compare open-pit and underground mining in terms of cost structure and safety considerations for gold deposits.

Compare open-pit and underground mining in terms of cost structure and safety considerations for gold deposits.

• A. Open-pit has lower capex and higher operating costs than underground mining.
• B. Open-pit generally has lower surface disturbance but higher safety concerns than underground mining.
• C. Open-pit generally has lower unit costs for shallow ore but larger surface disturbance; underground has higher capex and Opex but lower surface impact; safety focuses on ground control, ventilation, and rock mechanics in underground operations.
• D. Open-pit and underground mining have the same cost structure and safety concerns.

Answer: (C)