What is the minimum distance coal can be mined from a gas or oil well?

The correct answer indicates that coal mining must maintain a minimum distance of 500 feet from a gas or oil well to ensure safety and prevent any potential hazards. This regulation is in place primarily due to the risk of gas migration and the possibility of ignition or explosions when mining activities take place too close to wellbores.

Maintaining this distance provides a buffer zone that helps to protect both mining operations and the integrity of gas and oil wells, reducing the risk of accidents that could occur due to underground disturbances associated with mining. Furthermore, this regulation is critical to safeguard personnel working in the mine as well as nearby communities, ensuring a balance between resource extraction and safety considerations.

While other distances may seem reasonable, the chosen minimum of 500 feet is based on industry standards and state regulations which aim to mitigate the risks associated with the proximity of mining operations to gas and oil extraction sites.