Overall, the health impacts of surface mining are typically less severe compared to underground mining. Surface mining generally has a lower risk of miner injuries due to the more open and visible working environment. On the other hand, surface mining can have a higher risk of mine collapse due to the removal of large amounts of earth and rock. In terms of specific health impacts, underground mining often leads to higher rates of hearing loss due to loud machinery and equipment, while surface mining can result in higher rates of lung disease due to exposure to dust and fumes.
