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Coal mining can cause a water pollution called Acid mine drainage (AMD); a metal-rich water formed from the chemical reaction between water and rocks containing sulfur-bearing minerals. (WorldCoalInstitute.org.) While AMD usually forms in areas where coal mining has taken place, metal-rich drainage can also occur in mineralized areas that have not been mined. AMD happens when the pyrite reacts with air and water to form sulfuric acid and dissolves iron. This acid run-off dissolves heavy metals such as copper, lead and mercury into ground and surface water.(WorldCoalInstitute.org.) Through effective mine management methods AMD can be minimized. Also a good mine design can keep water away from acid generating materials and help prevent AMD from occurring.(WorldCoalInstitute.org) There are two ways to get rid of AMD. One way is to install a water treatment plant. First the AMD is dosed with lime to neutralize the acid and then it is passed through a settling tank to remove the sediment and particulate metals. The second way is to develop a self-operating system that can treat the effluent without constant human intervention.(WorldCoalInstitute.org)