Mining of Coal (College Board AP® Environmental Science) : Study Guide

Alistair Marjot

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Jacque Cartwright

Updated on

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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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies Content Creator

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

Jacque Cartwright

Reviewer: Jacque Cartwright

Expertise: Geography Content Creator

Jacque graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography before doing her PGCE with the University of St David’s, Swansea. Teaching is her passion and has taught across a wide range of specifications – GCSE/IGCSE and IB but particularly loves teaching the A-level Geography. For the past 5 years Jacque has been teaching online for international schools, and she knows what is needed to get the top scores on those pesky geography exams.