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Mountaintop removal mining

MTR explosions

Dust from mountaintop mining promotes the growth of cancer cells, a new study says

Health

Coal miners in Appalachia commonly practice mountaintop removal — blasting off hilltops to reach coal and sending dust into the air that pollutes nearby communities. A new study links the dust to increased risk of lung cancer.

Energy company reaches federal settlement in connection to Upper Big Branch mine disaster

Global Politics

The hidden costs of coal

Environment

Report: Massey Energy to Blame for West Virginia Mining Disaster

The World

West Virginia Mountain Top Mining Controversy

Judy Bonds Remembered

Living on Earth remembers a crusader for the Appalachian Mountains, Judy Bonds, who died Jan. 3 at age 58. The miner’s-daughter-turned-activist fought against mountaintop removal mining and longed to return to her family land.

The World

Defending the Mountains

Appalachian activist Maria Gunnoe wins the Goldman Environmental Prize for her fight against mountaintop removal coal mining.

EPA Eyes Mountaintop Removal Mining

The EPA is taking a closer look at water quality and environmental issues associated with mining coal by blasting off mountain tops.

The World

Learning In the Shadow of Coal

Thirty-five years after a coal mine’s waste dam failed and wiped out a community, an Appalachian elementary school sits at the very foot of another massive lagoon.

Lost Mountain

A year in the life of an Appalachian mountain ravaged by coal strip-mining.