Main-Product

Product Models
Insights
Solutions
Product
Coal
Segment
Extractive Industry Products
Main-Family
Fossil Hydrocarbons
Sub-Family
Solid Feedstock
Link
Insight Articles
#PS41

Description

Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock formed over millions of years from ancient plant material subjected to heat and pressure. Composed mainly of carbon along with hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen, coal is classified as a nonrenewable fossil fuel. It is primarily used for electricity generation, steel production, and as a raw material for various industrial processes.

Coal is categorized into four main types based on carbon content and energy value:

  • Anthracite (86–97% carbon): highest energy content, used mainly in metallurgy.
  • Bituminous (45–86% carbon): most abundant, used for electricity and steel production.
  • Subbituminous (35–45% carbon): lower energy content, mainly for electricity generation.
  • Lignite (25–35% carbon): lowest rank, high moisture, used near mining sites for power generation.

Coal extraction can be via surface or underground mining.

References

  1. U.S. Energy Information Administration (eia), Coal explained.
  2. Wikipedia, Coal.
  3. STUDENT ENERGY, What is coal?
  4. Australian Government, Geoscience Australia, Coal Resources, Page last updated: 30th Apr 2019.
Please login/register for full access
Insight Articles
Insights from our Experts
UserPic Kokel, Nicolas
2025/11/15 10:09 AM
Article Image
Major Analysts Shift Hydrocarbon Outlook, Confirming Our Original, Contrarian Demand Scenario
In a striking reversal, the International Energy Agency (IEA) and other leading energy forecasters have begun aligning with projections originally outlined in our analysis three years ago. Previous forecasts by these agencies anticipated steep declines in fossil fuel demand due to rapid...
 Click here for full content
Products Picture
Open pit coal mining operation https://stock.adobe.com/uk/search?k=coal+miners
Settings
Status
A
Unit of Measure
Metric Ton
Physical State

Solid

Content provided by
Transaction Name Date
Modified by UserPic  Kokel, Nicolas 6/29/2025 5:06 AM
Added 2/18/2021 10:37 AM