 | Coal is mined about half and half in surface and in underground mines. After mining it is "washed" (prepared) and transported. All these have serious impact on the environment.
- Surface mining removes top layer of land (many yards deep), which is then dumped.
- Underground mining releases methane.
- There is about 15% coal waste at cleaning plant.
- About 10% of mined coal is used for energy generation to mine and transport it.
- There are problems with disposal of acid mine drainage (AMD).
- Coal mining uses a lot of water, and produces a lots of sludge.
- Mining equipment, storage, transport, preparation facilities - they all add their contribution, neglected for now.
The component numbers are average, per pound of usable coal, for both surface and underground mining.
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