Fossil Energy Study Guide: 300 million years ago
People began using coal in the 1800s to heat their homes. Trains and ships used coal ... plants. As the plants died, they sank to the bottom of the swamps. ... rock, then dig out the coal. Th is is called surface mining. After the coal is mined, they put back the dirt and rock. Th ey plant trees and grass. Th e land can then be used again.