Mountaintop removal mining is a method of coal extraction where the tops of mountains are removed to access coal deposits, causing environmental harm.

Mountaintop removal mining is a controversial method used to extract coal from mountainous regions. In this process, entire mountain tops are blasted away to reach coal seams buried deep within the earth. The resulting debris, called "overburden," is often dumped into nearby valleys, leading to severe environmental consequences, including the destruction of ecosystems, habitat loss, and water contamination. This method has been heavily criticized for its long-term ecological damage and its impact on surrounding communities. Despite its efficiency in accessing large coal reserves, the environmental cost of mountaintop removal mining has sparked debates about the future of coal mining and energy production.