Abstract: After analyzing the classification of surface mining systems, it is proposed that the surface mining systems should be classified into three categories as non-continuous, continuous and combined mining systems, of which combined mining system includes in series and parallel mining systems. Included in series system it can be subdivided into two categories as non-continuous and continuous mining system or continuous and non-continuous system. Semi-continuous mining system should be included in the combined mining system, it is a kind of in series mining system.