The process of mining coal typically involves the following steps:
1. Exploration: This involves identifying potential coal deposits through geological surveys and drilling.
2. Site preparation: Once a coal deposit has been identified, the area is cleared of vegetation and topsoil, and roads and access points are constructed.
3. Extraction: There are two main methods of extracting coal – surface mining and underground mining. In surface mining, large machines called draglines or shovels remove layers of soil and rock to expose the coal seam. In underground mining, miners use tunnels to access the coal seam and extract it using drilling equipment and explosives.
https://www.onesb-machinery.com/4. Processing: Once the coal has been extracted, it is processed at a coal preparation plant. The coal is sorted and cleaned to remove impurities such as rocks and soil.
5. Transportation: The processed coal is transported by rail, truck, or conveyor to a power plant, steel mill, or other industrial facility.
6. Combustion: Once the coal reaches its destination, it is burned to generate heat or electricity. The by-products of combustion include carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants, which can have negative environmental impacts.
https://achatconcasseur.com/7. Reclamation: After the coal has been extracted and processed, the land is restored and reforested as much as possible, though the original ecosystem may never be fully restored.
Overall, the process of mining coal can be very destructive to the environment, causing damage to forests, rivers, and wildlife habitat. It also releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases, which contribute to global climate change.