What is Mountaintop Removal?

Mountaintop removal is a form of mining which involves blasting away the top of a mountain to get at the valuable minerals inside, particularly coal. It is most associated with the Appalachian Mountains in the United States, although this mining technique is in use all over the world. As you can imagine, mountaintop removal results in rather dramatic changes to the topography of the landscape, and it has met with considerable opposition from people with very diverse concerns, ranging from economists to environmental activists.

You may hear mountaintop removal called “mountaintop mining/valley fill” (MTM/VF), in reference to the techniques used in the mining process. Activists characterize it as “strip mining on steroids,” arguing that the practice of mountaintop removal is extremely harmful to the environment, and suggesting a ban on the practice. Supporters of mountaintop removal point out that it is an extremely cheap and efficient method for accessing minerals, and with rising concerns about oil around the world, a cheap source of coal for electricity generation could be very beneficial.

The first step in mountaintop removal is clearing the mountain of trees and topsoil. The trees are typically clearcut so that they can be sold for timber, with the mountain being set on fire in some cases to burn the brush and scrap to the ground. Next, the topsoil is removed so that it can be used in environmental reclamation, either on the site after mining is complete, or on an off-site location. Then, large amounts of explosives are used to literally blow the top of the mountain off, exposing useful material inside.

The explosives generate huge amounts of waste material, which is pushed around the perimeter of the mountain, in a practice known as “valley fill,” because it fills the valleys around the mountain. It also creates a great deal of dust, which can be hazardous to human and animal health. After the seam of coal or other desirable material in the mountain is exposed, a dragline pulls it out for processing, typically running it through water filtration and creating a toxic slurry which must be stored and eventually cleaned up.

Since the 1970s, when mountaintop removal first became popular with mining companies, people have objected to it on a number of grounds. People who are concerned about mining communities argue that mountaintop removal destroys the economy of the community, as only a small crew is needed, and these communities are often forced to move by the valley fill and slurry ponds. A number of spills of these slurries have been reported, resulting in catastrophic flooding, which is a concern for environmental activists. Environmentalists also worry about the destruction of animal habitat and the reformation of regional topography, both of which can cause environmental damage. People also object to mountaintop removal on aesthetic grounds, because the results are crude and very ugly.

Mountaintop removal is a form of surface mining where the summit or summit ridge of a mountain is blasted away with explosives to expose coal seams beneath. The overburden, or the rock and soil dislodged by the blast, is typically deposited in neighboring valleys, often burying streams and affecting local ecosystems.

Mountaintop removal is employed primarily because it allows for the efficient extraction of coal seams that are too thin or deep for traditional underground mining. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this method can produce roughly two and a half times as much coal per worker hour as traditional underground mining, making it economically attractive to mining companies.

The environmental impacts of mountaintop removal are significant. It leads to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion. The practice also results in the contamination of water sources due to the dumping of mining waste, which can release toxic heavy metals. The U.S. Geological Survey has documented that streams near mountaintop removal sites have higher levels of conductivity, indicative of pollution.

Mountaintop removal has devastating effects on local wildlife. It destroys habitats for numerous species, leading to population declines and loss of biodiversity. The obliteration of forests and streams can result in the displacement or death of species that depend on these ecosystems. The fragmentation of habitats also makes it difficult for animals to find food, mates, and shelter.

Yes, there are regulations aimed at mitigating the impact of mountaintop removal. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 requires companies to restore the mined area to its original contour and to replant vegetation. However, enforcement varies, and critics argue that the law does not adequately address the scale of ecological disruption caused by mountaintop removal.

Communities near mountaintop removal sites face several health concerns. Dust and particulate matter from blasting can reduce air quality, leading to respiratory issues. Water contamination with heavy metals and other pollutants can affect drinking water, posing risks to human health. Studies, such as those by the National Institutes of Health, have shown higher rates of birth defects and cancer in populations living near mountaintop removal sites.