Taking the Miner Out Of Coal Mining

Proponents of the mountain top removal (MTR) method of coal mining argue that it is more cost efficient. In 1998, Arch Coal Inc. defended MTR in advertisements, calling it “good for West Virginia, and it’s the right thing to do.” However, opponents of MTR call it destructive.

MTR is a type of coal mining in the Southeast Appalachian Region, that uses explosives to blast 800 to 1000 feet off mountain tops. MTR can strip up to ten square miles, and then dump hundreds of millions of pounds of waste into valley fills. MTR results in tons of rock, dirt, and vegetation being dumped into the surrounding valleys. It also damages aquatic systems, destroys ancient forests, harms water quality, and releases greenhouse gases…. – CLICK HERE to Continue Reading and Comment

Source: http://www.TriplePundit.com: Taking the Miner Out Of Coal Mining