Coal mines are subject to strict environmental regulation. Contractors build the facilities which are needed to clean the thousands of gallons of water which will be used in the preparation plant to clean the coal.

The coal which goes into the preparation plant for processing may be stripped from the ground by huge draglines or shovels. Contractors build and erect this equipment. Ironworkers, welders, laborers, crane operators, and electricians are employed to put together the pieces of these giant machines.

When coal is mined from underground, shafts and slopes must be built so that the coal mine company can get to the coal. Independent contractors usually build these shafts and slopes. About twenty of the Association's 350 members perform this type of work. The shafts and slopes are first excavated, and then lined with steel-reinforced concrete. The initial excavation is often begun with a crane and "clam shell."

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