Coal mines are places where coal, a fossil fuel, is extracted from the ground. Coal is formed from ancient plant material that has been buried and compressed over millions of years. It is primarily used for generating electricity and as a fuel for industrial processes. There are two main types of coal mining: surface mining and underground mining. In surface mining, the earth's surface is removed to access coal seams, while underground mining involves digging tunnels to reach deeper coal deposits. Both methods can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution. Safety measures are essential to protect miners from hazards like cave-ins and gas explosions.