Surface mining has a greater impact on deforestation compared to underground mining. This is because surface mining involves the removal of vegetation and topsoil in order to access the mineral deposits, leading to the direct destruction of forests and wildlife habitats. On the other hand, underground mining involves digging tunnels underground to access mineral deposits, which generally has a lesser impact on forested areas. However, both types of mining can contribute to deforestation indirectly through associated activities such as road construction, infrastructure development, and habitat fragmentation.
