rock fracture and collapse into mine

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Rock Fractures and Coal Mining
Since the ancient civilization, humanity has relied on natural sources of energy such as coal that is part of the fossil fuels. However, since the majority of the fossil fuels exist in their natural habitat, they have to be extracted through the mining process for the people to reap the benefits accrued. Mining of coal is not a new phenomenon in the United States of America but dates back to the Industrial Revolution. America has relied on, and it has played an essential role in spearheading economic growth and development. However, the demand and consumption of coal have been to the detriment of society with increasing environmental pollution associated with the extraction. Furthermore, the cases of collapsing mines are not isolated by is a characteristic of the mining process and has been witnessed in areas such as Wyoming that is common for the coal deposits.
There are disadvantages associated with the extensive mining in states such as Wyoming that have been essential coal centers in America. Since the 1860s, Wyoming has been one of the most significant sources of coal in the country and has shouldered the problems associated with the economic activity. According to the statistics, underground mining in Wyoming began in the 17th century, and the mines were not well constructed and often fell subject to subsidence, and the repercussion could be felt even on the surface (Singh 88).

The rock fractures from the subsequent mining activities have resulted in catastrophes that have not only destroyed investments but have caused the death of workers who have devoted their lives to the industry. In Wyoming, the problems associated with mining coal are part of the region’s history because they are still experienced today. This makes Wyoming an area of interest for the government as it is a crucial sector of the country’s economy.
The demand for coal has been responsible for the continued extraction of this fuel, and the expectation is that unless mitigation plans are put in place, more surface subsidence will be witnessed in the regions adjacent to the coal mines. Despite the fact that the advancements in technology rock fracture and associated geological hazards are prevalent in Wyoming and the pressure to meet the demand is to blame (Singh 97). For instance, in Rock Springs the impact of the mining activities have been witnessed since the 1950s when extraction intensified. In the past, the government embarked on a mission to curb the subsidence as a way of safeguarding the interests of the workers and the community that benefited directly from mining coal.
One of the significant challenges is the falling of the roof and has been a predicament for workers who are exposed to the risk of getting injured and in extreme cases the loss of their lives. The rock fractures have altered the geological structure of the region and the United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) has conducted government-sponsored initiatives to investigate the increasing cases of subsidence in Wyoming as a way of minimaxing losses and costs incurred. It has been established that Rock Springs is not the only region afflicted in the city, but there are other sites that the USBM has highlighted as target areas. The community and the local authorities have embarked on collaborated efforts to avert the dangers of excessive mining to the natural environment.

Work Cited
Singh, K. B. “Pot-hole subsidence in Son-Mahanadi master coal basin.” Engineering geology 89.1-2 (2007): 88-97.