Two of the world’s ten largest coal mines are now in India, according to a recent list released by WorldAtlas.com. These mines, located in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh state, produce over 100 million tons of coal annually, accounting for about 10% of India’s total coal production.
Coal remains the largest source of energy on Earth and is extensively used in electricity generation worldwide. However, it is also the largest contributor to the human-made increase of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere, leading to severe environmental and health effects.
Environmental and Health Impacts
The burning of coal leads to the emission of poisonous gases, contributing to various health problems and environmental concerns. Some of the major pollutants released during coal combustion include:
Carbon Oxides (COx)
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Sulfur Oxides (SOx)
Particulate Matter (PM)
Heavy Metals
These pollutants are associated with a range of health issues, including malaria, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancers. Additionally, pollution from coal ash storage and landfills can leach into the ground, contaminating groundwater.
The Formation and Composition of Coal
Coal was formed over millions of years through the process of coalification, where dead plants were transformed into coal under high pressure and temperature. The main components of coal include carbon, sulfur, oxygen, hydrogen, small amounts of nitrogen, and traces of heavy metals.
The Future of Coal and Energy
As the demand for coal-based power generation continues to rise, the environmental and health challenges associated with coal combustion become more pressing. The emission of COx and other pollutants not only contributes to global warming but also poses significant health risks. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to reduce reliance on coal and transition to cleaner energy sources.
Sources
Health and environmental impact of the coal industry, Wikipedia
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Data from WorldAtlas.com
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