COAL MINING

HOW IS COAL EXTRACTED

• There are primarily two different methods of mining coal from underground. These are
termed as opencast and underground mining depending upon the proximity of the coal
seam form the surface of the earth.
• Opencast mining is resorted to when coal is found at relatively shallower depths while
underground or deep mining becomes necessary when coal is found at depths of more
than 200 meters from the surface of the earth.
• Underground mining is more common than opencast mining though, in many western
countries, it is opencast mining that accounts for most of the coal produced.
 OPENCAST MINING
• Also referred to as surface mining
• This method of mining is preferred when coal lies near the surface of the earth.
• It is a less expensive method of mining that involves employing giant earth removal
machines that remove the overlying rocks and soil to reveal the underlying coal beds.
• This method is also more productive than underground mining and more than 90% of
the coal lying in the coal beds can be extracted using bulldozers, bucket excavators,
and other giant earth moving machines
 UNDERGROUND MINING

• Underground mining is the better option when the underlying coal deposits are found
at a depth of more than 200 meters.
• Shafts are dug to reach down to the coal bed where explosives are used after providing
support to the tunnels to extract coal.
• These shafts carry not just miners but also the entire equipment down to the coal bed.
• Also known as Room and Pillar mining.
DISTRIBUTION OF COAL AROUND THE WORLD
DISTRIBUTION OF COAL IN INDIA
CONSUMPTION OF COAL
 CONSERVATION OF COAL

• Use alternative sources of energy, especially for cooking.

• Use bulbs of CFLs instead of regular bulbs.
• Use carpools or public transport to travel.
• When car is at traffic signal, switch off the car, to save fuel.
• Use air conditioners or heaters only when needed.
• Raise awareness