SNC1D Science Journal

Coal mining has many negative consequences on the environment. In ecosystems; both biotic and abiotic elements are affected. Some limiting factors of coal mining include pollution and destruction of habitats.

Coal mining has a major impact on water in South Africa. South Africa is one of the driest places in the world and there are not a lot of clean sources of water. Coal mines use acid water drainage for coal mining and this acid water contaminates watersources. As well, coal dust that is created during the mining process also ends up in rivers and watersources which is another source of pollution. Contaminations of watersystems destroy ecosytems.

Coal mining also destroys the natural habitats of many animals. Strip mining forces wildlife to flee their natural environment which has a negative impact on the ecosystem.