How is the term 'coal mine' defined?

The term 'coal mine' is defined as a place where coal is extracted from the ground, encompassing both surface and underground mining methods. This definition is comprehensive and acknowledges that coal can be mined using different techniques; therefore, a coal mine can either refer to a surface coal mine, where coal is removed from the earth's surface, or an underground coal mine, where coal is extracted from beneath the surface through various tunneling and shaft methods.

This distinction is important as coal mining practices vary significantly between surface and underground operations, including the techniques used, safety measures, and environmental impacts. The definition also reflects the real-world applications of mining operations, as many regions utilize both methods depending on geological and economic factors, making coal mines versatile in their classification.