INTRODUCTION:

 COAL
Due to action of biological and geological processes over dead
plant matter which are subjected under earth’s surface for millions
of years converts into a combustible BLACK or BROWNISH
sedimentary rock which is known as coal.
 TYPES OF COAL
Following are the six main types of coal.
 Peat
 Lignite
 Bituminous/Sub bituminous coal
 Steam coal
 Anthracite
 Graphite
Most significant use of coal are in electricity generation, steel production,
cement manufacturing and as a liquid fuel.
Coal is a flammable hard rock used as solid fossil fuel. In ancient times coal
was the main source of combustion. Since coal is valued for its energy
content its extraction was indeed a necessary need.

COAL MINING.
Coal mining is a process of extracting coal from the ground.
Coal mining have developed from its primitive ways to many new modern
techniques, which not only includes modernization of ways of extraction of
coal but also improvement in its transportation and use of manual labor
(replacement by gadgets).
 METHODS IN COAL MINING

 SURFACE MINING
 Contour strip mining
 Area strip mining
 Open pit mining
 Auger mining

 UNDERGROUND COAL MINING METHODS

 Room- and – pillar mining
 Long wall mining
 Short wall mining
 Thick – seam mining

 DRIFT MINING
 SLOPE MINING
 SHAFT MINING

Early coal extraction was small-scale, the coal lying either on the surface, or
very close to it.Typical methods for extraction included underground mining
too. Coal mining though provided a great hand to mankind, but it also have a
dark side, which covers its impact over environment. Coal mining is responsible
for the elimination of vegetation and wildlife, it also destroys the genetic soil
profile and degrades the air quality. Further this presentation holds pros and
cons of coal mining.