What is the impact of coal mining?

One of the most serious impacts of coal mining is acid mine drainage. Acid mine drainage contaminates ground and surface water with heavy metals and toxins exposed by mining. This destroys aquatic ecosystems and water supplies that communities depend on for drinking and agriculture.

How does coal mining affect the economy of South Africa?

It might come as a surprise to many that coal is now more important to the South African economy than gold. The coal mining industry contributed approximately R37 billion to the economy in 1993, with gold contributing R115 billion (value added at constant 2010 prices). 28% of South African coal production is exported.

What are the negative impacts of coal mining?

These impacts can be largely associated with water quality, physical and chemical land degradation, and air pollution through dust fall-out and emissions of particulate matter (PM) and toxic gases. In particular, AMD from coal mining results in significant pollution of land and water resources.

Which ecosystem is affected by coal mining in South Africa?

It has been rightly noted in the study that the negative impact of coal mining activities on the ecosystem of Mpumalanga region has given rise to severe air pollution, and pollution of water resources which has further led to contamination and depletion of aquatic bodies.

What are the positive effects of coal mining?

Coal provides many jobs. Unlike other forms of energy (nuclear, natural gas, oil, hydroelectric), coal provides many jobs in removing coal from the earth, transporting it to the utility, burning it, and properly disposing of coal ash. Coal is American made. We do not have to import this product into this country.

What are 3 negative effects of coal mining?

Air pollution from coal-fired power plants is linked with asthma, cancer, heart and lung ailments, neurological problems, acid rain, global warming, and other severe environmental and public health impacts.

Why does South Africa rely on coal?

SA has abundant coal reserves. Coal-fired power stations are reliable. South Africa’s infrastructure to generate electricity from coal is well established. Burning coal is the most cost-effective and energy efficient way of generating electricity.

Which is the biggest coal mine in South Africa?

Mafube Colliery
The Mafube Colliery is currently the largest coal mining project in South Africa: produces 1.1 million tons of coal per year.

What are 3 advantages of coal?

Here Are the Advantages of Coal

• It is available in an abundant supply.
• It has a high load factor.
• Coal offers a rather low capital investment.
• Carbon capture and storage technologies can reduce potential emissions.
• It can be converted into different formats.
• Coal can be used with renewables to reduce emissions.

What are the positive and negative effects of coal?

What are the Positive and negative parts of using Coal as a source of energy? Coals major advantage is that it supplies us with electricity. The disadvantages of coal are the mining process (the way we get it out of the ground) and pollution that occurs when coal is burned.

What is the most important use of coal in South Africa?

South Africa’s indigenous energy resource base is dominated by coal. Internationally, coal is the most widely used primary fuel, accounting for about 36 percent of the total fuel consumption of the world’s electricity production. About 77 percent of South Africa’s primary energy needs are provided by coal.