What is a key benefit of surface coal mining?

The selected answer highlights a significant advantage of surface coal mining. This method of extraction is typically more economical than underground mining due to several factors. Surface mining often allows for the removal of larger amounts of coal in a shorter time frame, leading to increased productivity and lower operational costs. Additionally, the equipment used in surface mining can handle large volumes more efficiently than underground techniques, which often require more intricate logistics and labor-intensive processes.

The comparison also reflects that surface mining minimizes the risks and costs associated with underground operations, such as the expenses related to ventilation, safety measures, and the maintenance of mine stability. These factors collectively contribute to making surface coal mining a more cost-effective option in many cases.

In considering the other choices, it's important to note that stating surface mining requires more manpower is not accurate, as surface mining tends to be less labor-intensive than underground methods due to the nature of the work. Regulation is an important aspect of both mining methods; surface mining is subject to strict environmental and safety regulations, much like underground mining. Lastly, the assertion that surface mining has no environmental impact is misleading, as all mining activities, including surface mining, have some level of environmental consequences that need to be managed responsibly.