Destructive Strip Mining Coal in West Virginia
Image details
Contributor:
Phil DeggingerImage ID:
2J3JK16File size:
55.1 MB (4.5 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5362 x 3593 px | 45.4 x 30.4 cm | 17.9 x 12 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
28 September 2010More information:
Surface mining, including strip mining, open-pit mining and mountaintop removal mining, is a broad category of mining in which soil and rock overlying the mineral deposit (the overburden) are removed, in contrast to underground mining, in which the overlying rock is left in place, and the mineral is removed through shafts or tunnels. The pros of surface mining are that it has a lower financial cost and is a lot safer than underground mining because all mining operations take place above the surface. The cons are the hazards it presents to human health and the environment. Humans face a variety of health risks caused by mining, such as different cardiovascular diseases, food and water contamination. Habitat destruction, alongside air, noise, and water pollution, are all significant negative environmental impacts caused by the side effects of surface mining.
