ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Mountaintop removal mining

Mountaintop removal mining is when companies want to mine coal or other minerals that are buried deep in mountains. So, they use huge machines to scrape and dig away all the rocks, trees, and other things on top of the mountain until they get to the mineral they want to extract. Then they dig it out and take it away to sell.

Unfortunately, this process is not always good for the environment. When companies remove the tops of mountains, it causes a lot of damage to the soil, water, and air around the area. It creates a lot of dust and noise, and can even change the way that rainwater flows on the mountain. This can lead to serious problems like soil erosion, water pollution, and flooding downstream.

Additionally, mountaintop removal mining can have negative impacts on the health and well-being of people and animals living in the area. Dust and pollution from the mining activity can lead to respiratory problems, and the destruction of habitats can harm wildlife.

Overall, while mountaintop removal mining can provide valuable resources like coal, its negative impacts on the environment and communities are something that we need to consider carefully.