A gaping sinkhole on Des Moines’ south side has shed light on a little-known fact about what is underground in much of central Iowa.
Abandoned coal mines. More than 200 out-of-use mines are the result of a once booming coal industry in central Iowa. Now, the old mine shafts pose a risk for causing sinkholes, like the one that opened up in Des Moines Wednesday.
But, is your house above an old coal mine?
Click here to visit an interactive map from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The map provides details on the location of hundreds of known mines around Iowa, and historical facts about each of the operations.
