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Why Are Abandoned Mines Dangerous?

Years ago, before modern environmental regulations, mine operators were not required to reclaim and restore mine lands to their original condition, or to remove hazardous and dangerous features once mining was finished. As a result, there are nearly one-quarter million acres of dangerous abandoned mine lands in Pennsylvania.


Coal fires release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide which can sicken or kill you. Subsidence from underground fires and abandoned mine shafts can cause the ground to collapse without warning.