These pages provide general information about coal, mining methods, reclamation of mined lands and postmining land uses to students, teachers, employees of the coal industry and the general public to expand their knowledge of coal and the coal industry.

How Is Coal Mined in Kentucky?
There are four mining methods typically used in Kentucky: area mining, contour mining, mountaintop removal and underground or deep mining.

Where Does Coal Come From?
Coal is found in underground deposits called "seams." These seams formed from the layers of plant litter that settled in large swamps that once covered the American continent.

Where Are the Coal Deposits in Kentucky?
Kentucky has two separate coal fields, one in the eastern region and the other in the western region of the state.

Coal to Kilowatts
Coal is converted to electricity at coal-fired power plants. The schematic shows a typical process whereby electricity is generated from burning coal.

What Is Reclamation?
Reclamation is the restoration of the land disturbed by mining operations to an environmentally sound and productive condition for future generations.

Why Are There Mining and Reclamation Laws?
State and federal laws and regulations have been enacted to ensure coal mining and reclamation operations are conducted in a manner that protects the environment and provides for the safety of the public.

What Are Postmining Land Uses?
As part of every mining permit issued by the Division of Mine Permits, a postmining land use must be stated and approved. The condition of the land after the mining process must be equal to or better than premining conditions.