Socio-Environmental Impacts of Coal Mining: A Case Study of Cherat Coal Mines Pakistan

Abstract

Coal mining is one of the elemental industries that not only helps in economic development of a country but also causes social and environmental problems. Coal is the primary source of energy due to which it becomes essential to meet the energy requirements of the country. It is mined through underground and surface methods, which significantly affect worker’s health and water resources. Coal mining is responsible for discharging huge amount of mine water, mine diseases and accidents which are the constituent of these social and environmental problems. The empirical data of this research comprised of results from literature, workers interviews and field notes. Data about water quality, various diseases among workers and workers health condition were collected from literature and workers interviews.  Similarly, the data about all and occurred accident were collected from field notes. From this study it is concluded that coal mining will not only help in providing energy requirements and employments, but it is also responsible for various social and environmental problems.