Movie: What Caused the Mining Disaster?
While subsurface mining does disturb much less land than surface mining, it is, unfortunately, much more dangerous. Cave-ins, explosions, and fires are risks associated with subsurface mining. Most deaths from mining activities take place in subsurface mines. For example, on April 5, 2010, a gas explosion in a West Virginia coal mine killed 25 people and left four other miners unaccounted for. The accident occurred when methane gas, which naturally builds up underground close to coal deposits, reached dangerous levels and set off an explosion. It was the worst U.S. mining accident in several decades.
The news clip discusses the 2010 mining disaster in West Virginia. This particular accident took place in a longwall coal mine. In the video, you will see what longwall mining looks like, as well as a discussion of how a methane gas explosion led to the accident. Download the video guide to enter your notes.
Click on the image above to watch
What Caused the Mining Disaster?
