Mountaintop Removal Mining

Mountaintop removal mining is one of the cheaper forms of surface mining and requires fewer employees to perform the necessary jobs. Mountaintop removal mining involves the use of explosives, which can remove up to 400 vertical feet (120 meters) of mountain (the overburden) to expose the underlying coal seams. The overburden can be used for future re-contouring of the landscape, or it can be moved into nearby valleys.

The following is a basic five-step process of mountaintop removal mining:

1. The overburden is removed.
2. The upper seams of the coal deposit are removed with byproducts and spoils, and placed in an adjacent valley.
3. The lower layers of the coal deposit with spoils are excavated by draglines and placed in spoil piles.
4. While the coal is still being excavated, regrading of the land begins.
5. After the coal removal is complete, final regrading happens, and the area is re-vegetated.

To learn more about MSHA Part 48 training requirements visit our MSHA Part 48 Subpart B Surface Mining Online Training web page.