
Distribution of Coal across the World
Distribution of Coal across the World – Global Coal Reserves – Top Producers and Consumers of Coal in the World – Distribution of Coal in USA – Distribution of Coal in China.
Distribution of Coal across the World
- Most of the Russia’s coal in Siberian Region is untapped.
- Carboniferous coal of Great Lakes and Appalachians region helped USA become a leading industrialized nation.
- Coal reserves in Ruhr and Rhineland region coupled with rich iron deposits have made Germany a leading industrial super power of Europe.
- England too benefited immensely from its coal reserves of South Whales, Yorkshire, Manchester, Liverpool etc. Industrial revolution began here mainly due to rich coal reserves.
- Brazil is a leading coal producer in South America. Most of the coal goes into power generation. Excess production is exported to China.
- Australia is a leading producer of coal. Most of its coal is exported to China, Japan etc. Australia has rick coking coal deposits. India imports coking coal mainly from Australia.
- China’s coal is of poor quality. It imports metallurgical grade coal from Australia.
- South Africa is the only region in Africa with significant amount of coal reserves.
Top Producers and Consumers of Coal in the World
Distribution of Coal in USA
- World’s second biggest coal producing country.
- World’s second biggest coal consumer [China first].
- 37% of the country’s electricity generation come from coal.
- Coal mining occurs in 25 states of which Wyoming, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Texas are the biggest coal producers.
- The North Antelope ROCHELLE COAL MINE located in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming is the world’s biggest coal mine
- Allegheny Mountains and Appalachian Mountains have enormous coal deposits.
- Most coal now produced in the United States is mined in western surface mines, especially in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin.
Distribution of Coal in China
- World’s third biggest coal reserves.
- Largest producer and consumer of coal in the world.
- Largest user of coal-derived electricity [68.7%].
- Industry hugely dependent on Coal.
- Photochemical smog == Intensifying environmental concerns all over China due to coal burning.
Primary References: NCERT Geography, Wikipedia, Spectrum Geography | Amazon — Flipkart |
Last updated on May 20, 2025 6:12 PM