Jump to main content.

Mountaintop Mining/Valley Fill Process

What is mountaintop mining?

 

Step 1. Layers of rock and dirt above the coal (called overburden) are removed
an example
 
 

Step 2. The upper seams of coal are removed with spoils placed in an adjacent valley
an example
 
 

Step 3. Draglines excavate lower layers of coal with spoils placed in spoil piles
an example
 
 

Step 4. Regrading begins as coal excavation continues
an example
 
 

Step 5. Once coal removal is complete, final regrading takes place and the area is revegetated
an example

Mid-Atlantic Region || Mid-Atlantic Env'l Assessment & Innovation || Mid-Atlantic Mountaintop Mining

Local Navigation

Jump to main content.