Coal extraction is the process of removing coal from the ground to be used as a fuel source. This can be done through two main methods: surface mining and underground mining. Surface mining involves removing the soil and rock above the coal seam, while underground mining requires digging tunnels to access the coal deep below the surface. Once extracted, coal is transported to power plants or other facilities for processing. It is primarily used to generate electricity and can also be converted into other products, such as coke for steel production. The extraction process can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution.