Environmental impacts of coal mining

Underground coal mining environmental hazards

Nature

The mining of coal produces disturbance to surface land and its ecosystems (particularly in the case of strip mining). It can also affect the quality and quantity of underground and surface waters, loss of vegetation and wildlife habitats, disturbance to animal populations, noise, dust, heavy traffic, loss of farming land and disruption of social life and established community interests.

Counter-claim

Advances in mining technology over the past two decades have greatly reduced the overall impact of coal mining on the environment. Measures such as: mine drainage control; compacting, landscaping and replanting of waste piles, and restoration of surface mines with the development of recreation areas or new communities on the site; the improvement of mine safety through better underground technology and more attention to precautionary procedures and equipment, have all contributed to improving the situation.