There are a number of environmental problems associated with surface (strip) mining of coal. This slide shows two areas where there were no attempts to reclaim the land after mining. The image on the left shows an area that was contour mined. What is left behind are the vertical high walls. In addition to being an eye sore, the steep slopes are very unstable and the natural drainage of the area has been completely disrupted. Another problem with surface mining is acid mine drainage, illustrated on the right. Mining causes the pyrite (FeS2) associated with coal to be exposed to the atmosphere and oxygen rich surface water. Oxidation of the pyrite produces acid mine drainage. This acid mine drainage is detrimental to aquatic life. In addition yellow boy an iron hydroxide mineral precipitates from these waters which lowers the esthetic quality of the stream.
Coal 8
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