Topsoil Removal and Storage; Pre-Stripping

Before mining starts, mining companies need to plan for the replacement of the topsoil subsequent to the coal having been removed. Details that have to do with the removal, storage, replacement, and protection of the topsoil from erosion are programmed in the plan of the operation mine. Topsoil, which is taken out in a separate layer from spots to be disturbed, is either instantly restored or placed on permitted areas. The depth of topsoil needs to be thought and decided about before mining to guarantee accurate replacement for growing row crops as well as other vegetation. The restored soil profile on areas selected as primary farmland is required to be at least forty eight inches as well as topsoil and subsoil.

Coal Processing Waste Disposal
All operation plans need to include details about where the coal is going to be stockpiled, as well as what kind of cleaning and processing is going to be taking place. The waste that is produced from the coal cleaning process can be a probable acid forming and harmful to plant life. The material needs to be correctly treated or sheltered with an appropriate layer of nontoxic, noncombustible dirt material, so that it works to neutralize and avoids the making of acid water. Toxic materials need to be placed in areas of the mine where contact with surface and groundwater is reduced as much as possible.