Coal mining is the process of extracting coal from the ground, which is a fossil fuel used primarily for electricity generation and heating. There are two main types of coal mining: surface mining and underground mining. Surface mining involves removing the soil and rock above coal seams, while underground mining requires digging tunnels to reach deeper coal deposits.
Coal is an important energy source, but its extraction and use can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and air pollution. The coal industry plays a crucial role in many economies, providing jobs and energy, but it also faces challenges related to sustainability and the transition to cleaner energy sources.