What type of mining is typically associated with continuous miners?

Continuous miners are specifically designed for the task of continuous mining, which involves the extraction of materials from underground seams without the need for drilling and blasting. This method allows for a more efficient and safer mining operation, as the continuous miner can cut, gather, and load material simultaneously. The equipment is equipped with a rotating drum that breaks up the rock, while a gathering arm collects the mined material and transfers it onto a conveyor system, which then moves the material to the surface or to shuttle cars for further transport.

This method contrasts with conventional mining, where drilling and blasting are required to break up the rock before it can be mined. Surface mining and open-pit mining refer to methods used to extract resources from visible deposits located at or near the earth's surface, which is not associated with continuous miners that are primarily applied in underground operations. Therefore, continuous mining is the correct answer as it directly correlates with the function and purpose of continuous miners in the mining industry.