It's difficult to give an exact answer to "which states have the most surface coal mines" without a specific definition of what constitutes a "surface coal mine." The number of surface coal mines can vary based on:

* Definition of "surface coal mine": Is it based on the number of active mines, total production, or land area?

* Data source: Different government agencies may use different definitions and data collection methods.

However, based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the states with the highest number of active surface coal mines in 2022 are:

* Wyoming

* Kentucky

* West Virginia

* Montana

* Illinois

These states also tend to be among the top producers of surface-mined coal.

It's important to note that the number of surface coal mines has been declining in recent years due to various factors, including:

* Shifting energy markets: Increased use of natural gas and renewable energy sources.

* Environmental regulations: Stricter regulations on air and water pollution from coal mining.

* Economics: Declining demand for coal.

Therefore, while these states have the most active mines currently, the landscape could change in the future.