Coal mining is when people dig deep into the ground to take out black rocks called coal. Coal is a type of fuel that can be burned to make energy for things like homes and factories.
In the United States, coal mining is a big industry. It helps many people get jobs and make money. However, coal mining can be dangerous and bad for the environment. That's why there are rules and regulations to help keep miners safe and protect the environment.
When miners go underground, they wear special helmets and clothes to keep them safe. They use big machines to dig tunnels and take out the coal. Sometimes, they even use explosives to break up the coal.
Once the coal is out of the ground, it needs to be cleaned and sorted. Some coal is burned right away while other coal is transported to other places like power plants.
Although coal mining used to be very popular in the United States, it is not as popular now. This is because people are starting to use other types of fuel that are better for the environment.