What are two methods used to mine coal out of the ground so that we can use it to make electricity?

Two methods used to remove coal from the ground are:

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  Surface Mining: Surface mining is used when the coal is located within 200 feet of the surface. Large machines are used to remove soil and rock on top of the coal seam. When coal seams are located close to the top of a mountain, dynamite is used to remove the mountaintop and expose the coal seams. This type of surface mining is called mountaintop removal. Once the coal has been removed, the surface is covered with new soil and replanted.

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  Underground Mining: Underground mining is used when coal is deep underground. Miners use man-made elevators and underground tunnels to reach the coal. The miners are then able to use machines to remove the coal from the ground and transport it to the surface.

The coal is then processed and used to generate about 39% of the electricity produced in the United States.