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Underground coal mining can have several environmental impacts, including:

• Subsidence: The removal of coal can cause the ground above to collapse, leading to sinkholes and changes in the landscape. 
• Water pollution: Coal mining can contaminate nearby water sources, affecting aquatic life and human consumption. Farmers are particularly concerned about their aquifers.
• Methane emissions: Coal mines release methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Methane is referred to as ‘natural gas’.
• Land degradation: Mining can lead to soil erosion, landslides, and biodiversity loss. The prospect of a mine in a food bowl is just ridiculous.
• Air pollution: Coal dust and particulate matter can affect air quality, impacting human health. Especially Particulate matter 10 microns or less. There is no safe level of these.
• Noise pollution: Mining operations can generate significant noise, disrupting local ecosystems. Fox has said its operation will be for 20 years.
• Waste disposal: Coal mining generates large amounts of waste rock and tailings, which can be challenging to manage and rehabilitate. Fox has never stated where it will dispose of its waste.
• Disruption of natural habitats: Mining can fragment and destroy natural habitats, affecting local wildlife. No amount of rehabilitation will bring back what was lost.
• Acid mine drainage: Coal mining can release acidic water, contaminating nearby waterways. The Kolan River is particularly at risk.
• Health impacts: Coal mining has been linked to various health problems, including respiratory issues and increased risk of cancer.

It's important to note that many of these affects can be mitigated with PROPER mining practices, rehabilitation, and regulation. Currently, there is little faith in the veracity of these practices.

Living close to an underground coal mine can pose a multitude of health risks due to exposure to air and water pollution, noise, and other environmental factors. Read a detailed report from Em. Prof. John P. Headrick called Let's Talk Dirt on Dust .

Some common health effects include:

• Respiratory problems: Inhaling coal dust and particulate matter can lead to conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Cardiovascular disease: Exposure to air pollution and particulate matter has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and high blood pressure.
• Cancer risk: Long-term exposure to coal mine pollution has been linked to an increased risk of lung, breast, and other cancers.
• Neurological problems: Exposure to coal mine pollution has been linked to neurological issues like Parkinson's disease, cognitive impairment, and anxiety.
• Noise pollution: Prolonged exposure to loud noises from mining operations can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing-related problems.
• Water pollution: Contaminated water sources can lead to gastrointestinal problems, skin issues, and other health concerns.
• Mental health impacts: Living near a coal mine can also lead to stress, anxiety, and depression due to concerns about health, environment, and community impacts.
• It's important to note that the specific health effects and risks can vary depending on factors like the mine's operations, distance from the mine, and individual circumstances.

Coal mining is the most water-intensive mining process in Australia. Learn More

Underground mines can pose several risks to aquifers, region's underground water supply.

• Water pollution: Mining activities can contaminate aquifers with heavy metals, chemicals, and other pollutants, making the water unsafe for human consumption or other uses.
• Water table depletion: Mining can cause the water table to decline, leading to reduced water levels in nearby wells and springs.
• Subsidence: Underground mining can cause the ground surface to collapse, leading to sinkholes and subsidence, which can damage aquifers and contaminate groundwater.
• Fracture connections: Mining can create connections between aquifers and nearby surface water bodies, allowing contaminants to flow into the aquifers.
• Acid mine drainage: Mining can expose sulfide minerals, leading to acid mine drainage, which can contaminate aquifers and surface water bodies.
• Loss of aquifer storage: Mining can reduce the storage capacity of aquifers, making them more vulnerable to drought and other water scarcity issues.
• Induced seismicity: Injection of mining wastewater into aquifers can cause induced seismicity, potentially leading to earthquakes and further aquifer damage.
• Aquifer salinisation: Mining can cause saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, making them undrinkable.
• Caverns and voids: Underground mining can create caverns and voids that can store contaminated water, which can eventually leak into aquifers.
• Long-term liability: Mining activities can result in long-term environmental liabilities, making it challenging to restore aquifers to their original state.

It's essential to protect aquifers from the potential impacts of underground mining.