Mining of Coal (College Board AP® Environmental Science) : Study Guide
Impacts of mining coal
Habitat destruction
Surface mining, especially mountaintop removal, destroys forests and ecosystems
Strip mining removes large sections of soil and rock, permanently altering landscapes
Loss of vegetation disrupts wildlife populations, leading to species displacement
Groundwater contamination
Coal mining exposes toxic heavy metals, such as arsenic and mercury, which leach into groundwater
Acid mine drainage (AMD) occurs when sulfide minerals react with water and air, producing sulfuric acid that contaminates rivers and groundwater
Example: The Appalachian region in the U.S. has suffered from AMD due to extensive coal mining
Air pollution
Coal dust from mining operations can cause respiratory diseases such as black lung disease in miners
Methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas, is released from coal seams, contributing to climate change
Particulate matter from coal processing and transport can reduce air quality in surrounding communities
Soil degradation and erosion
Removing vegetation and topsoil leads to loss of fertile land
Soil compaction from mining equipment reduces the ability for vegetation to regrow
Increased erosion leads to sediment buildup in nearby water bodies, harming aquatic ecosystems
Subsurface mining of coal
What is subsurface coal mining?
Subsurface mining is the process of extracting coal from underground deposits through tunnels and shafts
Used when coal reserves are too deep for surface mining methods
More labor-intensive and expensive than surface mining due to excavation and safety measures
Challenges and costs
High operational costs:
Requires specialized machinery, ventilation systems, and structural reinforcements to prevent collapses
Worker safety risks:
Exposure to toxic gases, explosions, and cave-ins makes subsurface mining one of the most dangerous jobs
Slower extraction rates:
Unlike surface mining, where coal is removed in large quantities, subsurface mining is more time-consuming
Land subsidence:
Mined-out areas collapse, causing ground instability and damage to buildings and infrastructure
Can lead to sinkholes in regions with extensive underground mining
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