Generation of waste products which contain mercury, uranium, thorium, arsenic and other heavy metals, which are harmful to human health and environment.
Sulphur particles present in the coal causes acid rain.
Interference with ground water and water table levels.
Contamination of land and water bodies.
Dust pollution.
Release of CO2, a green house gas, causing climate change and global warming.
Coal is the largest contributor to the man-made increase of CO2 in the air.