Solution:
One of the environmental impacts associated with coal mining is that massive amounts of topsoil may need to be removed during this process, leading to erosion, habitat loss, and pollution.
On the other hand, coal mining causes heavy metals to dissolve and seep into groundwater and surface water, generating contamination of clean water and tributaries. Toxics released from coal mining and coal burning can acidify the seas, damaging marine ecosystems.
Also, coal mining generates the emission of polluting particles, tropospheric ozone, smog, and acid rain. In fact, the combustion of coal generates ashes that, in the atmosphere, contribute to air pollution problems. Burning coal produces greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming.