Mountain top removal is a mining technique used primarily in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. It involves blasting the tops off mountains to access coal seams located beneath the surface. This method allows for the extraction of coal more efficiently but significantly alters the landscape.
The process generates large amounts of waste rock, which is often deposited in nearby valleys, leading to environmental concerns. It can destroy ecosystems, contaminate water sources, and displace communities. As a result, mountain top removal has sparked debates about the balance between energy needs and environmental protection.